FROM THIS HEART
H. W. bryce
For true democracy for all
From this aching heart please lift this burden
That I carry heavy along the way;
I cry for my fathers, I weep for my children,
I despair for my future. My feet feel like clay.
But I will not walk with my head bowed down.
This burden that I carry so heavy along the way
Was my father’s and his father’s and his and his
Through seven generations and that is enough to pay.
This curse will be ended, we will end it this day,
For my heart is heavy and weary is my soul.
The ills of the world are not our creations;
We did not poison the tree. But it’s ours to revive,
To prune, to feed, to ensure that it stays alive.
And I will not walk with my head bowed down.
I cry for my fathers, I weep for my children,
I stumble along the way, but I will not apologize.
I will not walk along with my head bowed down.
I will feast upon these rich forbidden fruits.
I will share the shelter of this Democracy Tree,
This tree that bears the sap of life that all of us drink.
Let us co-operate, never to hatred sink.
From this aching heart please lift this unfair burden.
I will not walk with my had bowed down.
From this aching heart please lift this burden.
Weary am I in this walk with this weight on my back;
But I am strong and I will drag my feet along
Heavy heart and all but with my head held high,
And I am never going to go back.
For I am worthy, my mama told me so, and I believe!
We can both forgive and forge ahead, but mind our backs
Lest we forget sacred vows and break promises made.
And I will not walk with my head bowed down.
I believe in love, in the best part of Mankind.
I worship truth, fidelity, honest words and deeds,
I accept all of Mankind, all colours, creeds and breeds.
All I ask is fair play, an honest shake of my hand
And the vow that we both will honour our word.
I believe in good faith, and a fair chance to succeed.
Not much to ask, this is all that I need.
Let trust serve as mediator, let this be our byword.
And I will not walk with my head bowed down.
I honor you, you honor me. That is democracy at work.
Mutual Respect is the key, and from that we must never shirk.
From this aching heart please lift this burden
That I carry heavy along the way;
I cry for my fathers, I weep for my children,
But I hope for my future though my feet feel like clay.
And I will not walk with my head bowed down.
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Image by Leroy Skalstad from Pixabay
