Today, A Song

As I have listened to the news, read the commentaries, seen images of our country aflame, I have thought of you.

 I have hoped that you and those who you love are safe. 

 I have wanted to come to you with wise words; with insight or a vision that can guide us in this moment - but the truth is that it is difficult to wrap my head around all that is happening.

 My heart is broken. 

 Yet at its center, as it lays bare, is a song - that began as a whisper and has swelled into a cry. A song that as a child I stood to at the start of school mornings with my hand to my chest, and bright eyes that stared at a flag whose complicated history I did not yet comprehend - but that I loved, fiercely. Why? Because I was taught that what it represented was mine; and as such it was my responsibility to protect it, to serve it, to build it - to make it even better.

 That song:

 My country 'tis of thee. Sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride. From every mountain side. Let freedom ring. 

 Pauli Murray has said that "hope is a song in a weary throat."

Whatever song you hold today, be it one of ages past - or one that has yet to be written; may it inspire you as this one inspires me:

Towards our shared humanity, towards strength and unity, towards looking unflinchingly at today, in love, with hope and a commitment to build a brighter tomorrow; together.

 Keep singing,

Alita