Are We Defeated?

Not defeated.

My ancestors arrived

to this land

in the belly

of ships

as cargo.

Not defeated.

We come together now

with different journeys

but in the same place

and in the same time.

Not defeated.

We are stronger together

as e pluribus unum

although some

never learned this

and some pretend

to forget.

Not defeated.

We are diverse

kindred spirits united

with a moral compass.

Not defeated.

Recognizing the truth

of our shared humanity,

our hearts

and minds

are bound

as one.

Not defeated.

We need

each other

to survive,

to thrive,

as the people

of e pluribus unum.

Not defeated.

Like the wise teach,

we breathe;

we pray;

we discern; and

we act according

to our moral compass

on behalf

of all.

Not defeated.