IN THE MAILBAG: I very seldom use poetry in the column, because if I do then I am swamped with poems by would-be poets and to be perfectly frank some of the stuff sent in is pretty awful. With this particular poem which I am using herewith came this note from Mrs. [Flora] Arthur Goldstein, of Lafayette Estates: She writes: In the observance of the occasion of Brotherhood Week, I have written the enclosed which I dedicate to all those who suffer with the evil disease of prejudice. If just a few persons respond with a spark of tolerance or a glimmer of understanding, then I have done well. It cannot be denied that the ideals for which our nation stands include the equality of man and the preservation of human dignity. If we are to enjoy to the fullest our American way of life, these ideals must be more than theorized, they must be practiced. The poem follows: The rivers of prejudice, oft stained with blood, Must be damned to impede any oncoming flood, So this for you who nurse bigotrys seed Against those who do not conform to your creed. Some men are cowards, some courage display, Some evil, some righteous, some just gone astray. Now this is neither assumption nor plea, But merely a factual statement, you see. No race is cast from the ever-same die, You cannot change the truth, how hard you may try! The chance of your birth to one tribe, race or clan Is just incidental; you are first a MAN! A weapon thats lethal knows little respect For ones certain color, religion or sect. So condemn not a man for his worshipping ways, If he dons skull-cap or cross when he prays, For be he Protestant, Catholic or Jew, He breathes, reproduces and dies just like you! His political leanings may not coincide With the ones you endorse --- but must he be denied Of the same precious rights shared by you and your brothers? High time you employed the rule: Do unto others---! Reflect for a moment; disclose what you find, A heart filled with doubt; a disturbed troubled mind, A brain sadly twisted --- and till you release The warped chord that binds it --- youll never know peace! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My grandmothers letter and poem, as published in The Crows Nest column of the newspaper Independent Leader, Woodbridge, New Jersey, February 16, 1956. (archive.woodbridgelibrary.org/Archive/showpub.cgi?pub_title=Independent%20Leader&issueyear=1956&issuemonth=02&issueday=16&pagenum=6) Truly an inspiration to me.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 01:58:47 +0000
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