A cyclist in a purple turban and salwar pants
whizzed past us as we trudged up the steep hills
of Arlington, Virginia
His gaze caught mine just a starry
flash in the bucket
wordless soul communion
that said so much
Do you know what religion he is?
queried my hubby, David
"Sikh...I think" still reflecting
on our brief exchange
David and I were in town for our niece's wedding
and also on vacation
enjoying the sights and plethora
of attractions that flourish in the capitol
city, Washington, DC
As I surveyed the beautiful capitol
abounding with lush gardens, parks,
magnificent magnolia trees and
fragrant pink and white crepe myrtle
I couldn't help observing the rich diversity
of people and cultures working and living
here
"Where are you from?" I asked our taxi driver
"I'm originally from Ethiopia,"
a waiter in a restaurant told us
he was from Morocco...another person from Egypt...
India...China and so on…
USA has a diverse topography
heavenly mountain ranges, verdant forests,
fruitful farmlands
span outward to luminous blue shores
The racial, political, cultural diversity of our
great nation is what makes us so
unique and special
It's in our DNA, and literally in mine,
a real melting pot
All Americans have one thing in common:
our thirst for liberty and freedom
These words from the Memorial of Abraham Lincoln
are brilliant with truth and timeless with love:
"I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty
will burn in your bosoms until there shall
no longer be a doubt that all men are
created free and equal." ~Lincoln
We are a land of great diversity and opportunity--one of the reasons we have so much diversity. There are two avenues that immigrants take: through higher education and much-needed professions… Where I met many of my friends from around the world, most of whom stayed in this country. And seeking a better living, both financially and safely, where freedom rings. As you have mentioned, most of these find work in low-paying service jobs. They save and put their children in school. Most assimilate in one generation.
Sikhs are a bit different in that they insist on covering their never cut very long hair with a turban and always have, while trimmed, a beard. I believe their children are assimilating well, but the older adults do not. As a result, ignorant Americans often mistake Sikhs for Middle Easterners. That is unfortunate. Even long time residents like Mennonites and Amish, dress and behave differently than the rest of society as a result of our freedom of religion.
Your poem speaks of tolerance and understanding. That is what is needed for our country to continue to be great.
(Self-published. Please contact author directly to order.)
Enter the pages of diaspora in quiet introspection. Bathe your thoughts with subtle humor; synchronize your spirit-sense with history-in-heat; fall headlong with eyes wide open into
Welcome!
The poems in this beautifully bound book are a result of over twenty years of observations. Observations of the world around us and on the telecommunications network. All of the hate, love, heroism, disasters, and those who help.
Beautif
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Hi Jerry glad you enjoyed the poem.
Blessings and crepe myrtle smiles
Sonya ki
Sikhs are a bit different in that they insist on covering their never cut very long hair with a turban and always have, while trimmed, a beard. I believe their children are assimilating well, but the older adults do not. As a result, ignorant Americans often mistake Sikhs for Middle Easterners. That is unfortunate. Even long time residents like Mennonites and Amish, dress and behave differently than the rest of society as a result of our freedom of religion.
Your poem speaks of tolerance and understanding. That is what is needed for our country to continue to be great.
Ron