Illuminata

The lanterns are lit
Thousands circle, drums beating
Fire dancing on the river waves of darkness
We gather in colors of rainbow night
Our tears still welled within the eyes
Passing along, one hand to another
Our procession bridges
Bank upon bank of feeling

This hope for peace

We claim
Ourselves committed
The black and white yellow red of our
Collected conscience we
Make this place our
Blazoning torch
Freedom in the flame
Constantly burning.

(Previously published in Honor and Remembrance, Indelible Mark Publishing,2007. Note: Illuminata was the name given to a community event that took place in Portland, OR, shortly after 9/11.)