For Pastor Martin Niemoller (1892 – 1984)
when,
the hushed rage of prejudice rejoices in triumphant pomp and hateful ceremony,
and,
the silent dagger of complicit racism plunges deep into the soul of a world bereft of hope,
and,
the long knife of embraced apathy twists and turns,
then,
perhaps we’ll open our opaque eyes,
and perhaps then we’ll open our sewed-up mouths,
and perhaps only then will we whimper in mock shock and startled surprise,
for,
the festering hate that spirals around us,
in the fertile minds of quasi-religious bigotry,
is unafraid,
and speaks in the loudest baritone.
2.
Yet,
we accept,
we acquiesce,
we wish it all away,
but,
there will come that time when the lines are drawn,
when the purest hearts of silently smiling bigotry will hold the world in their sway,
with their cherubic, agreeable arguments sprinkled with pieces of fact that will kill, rape, pillage, and slay…
what then,
I ask,
will we do that day?
_____________
” … First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me … ” – Pastor Martin Niemoller
Reblogged this on poetry, photos and musings oh my! and commented:
What will we do on that day? That day is here.
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Thank you mon ami ✊👍✌
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“He who establishes his argument by noise and command, shows that his reason is weak.” – Michel de Montaigne
“Every movement reveals us.” – Michel de Montaigne
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so very very true dear friend.
profound and deep words
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Thank you. I thought you would appreciate them. I’m working on a post on Harriet Tubman for one of my blogs in the next few weeks. She was a hero.
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oh yes indeed – can’t wait for the post on Harriet Tubman.
Warmest wishes and peace and hope and love.
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I’m working on it now. The Underground Railroad is a fascinating subject. I read The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead a few weeks ago both out of curiosity and for a character in the book I am writing. The hero in my book is a descendent of slaves so I thought that may be useful as well. Peace
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I cannot wait for your piece … it is not often one connects with another who shares ones principles and values and when one does it is like a flood of warmth and comradeship.
all of the best Léa, and very most respectful and warmest of wishes.
Peace ✌
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Don’t get to excited. Alas, it is only a few of her quotes and facts. My hope is that people will look further on their own. I know I would. Perhaps I will find a biography on her. There must be one out there…
I was born curious and the more negative others were about someone or something, the more I had to know.
Peace http://www.phillis-wheatley.org/
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wonderful. still I wait for your piece ✌😊
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You are too kind my friend. I hope it will tempt someone else to look into the life on this amazing woman. ✌😊
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hardly kind at all. I shall be doing just that this evening – looking for material to read up on the amazing women you have mentioned
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Ah, that is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Alas, I cannot. We have been experiencing heavy rains and flooding since the early hours of Monday morning. I am so sleep deprived, I hate to think of all the typing errors I am creating. Have a wonderful evening.
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wishing you all the best with the flooding. we hope the worst is over – do rest well my friend and stay safe and well.
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Thank you and I am sorry but seem to be fading fast and shall go sit and cuddle with my two kitties. Peace
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Peace and NO apologies ever.
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And you as well dear friend. The Harriet Tubman post is scheduled for 31/10/2018. I just added a little tirade of mine at the end about the latest insult to this wonderful woman by the dictator in the white house.
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oh man let’s not even go there – the stench of fascism and racism in the air since that man took office is just too noxious.
on a positive note – can’t wait to read your tirade as well my friend.
Stay well and chat more soon
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I hope you won’t be disappointed. As for Phillis Wheatley, I believe your auntie can guide me on that one. ✌🌹✌
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I shall definitely not be disappointed and how touching that our comrade aunty Aggie can and will guide us through with how she lived her life – principally and never wavering from the cause.
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Ah, the pressure is on. I don’t want to let her down.
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you won’t let her down at all. the words shall pour from your heart and the depths of your soul and that is really all that matters, mon ami –
Peace ✌
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You are too kind. Thank you. Peace ✌
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Peace ✌
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take care and rest my friend
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My tears are the kind shed in the presence of beauty and truth.
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✌👍✊
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✌🌹✌
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as always … ✌👍✊
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