Monday Meditation: What Stature

Greetings...
This is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As part of my thinking about what this means, and my role in ensuring a fair society, here's the first draft of a related composition: 


WHAT STATURE
 
Friend, if we can only be tall / With others kneeling or bent low
Then we’re really not tall at all / Our stature is a shameful show
 
We must address the status quo / And in our self-reflection see 
We’re all of equal worth, and so / Each has the right to dignity
 
Systemic discrimination / Through centuries has caused great harm 
Now it’s time for reparation / To truly end the troubling storm 
  
When we decline to operate / In ignorant, exploitive ways 
And quit dealing in bitter hate / We’ll withstand dark and dreadful days 
 
We must stay guarded and repeal / Myopic views of history
See, it’s shared cultures that make real / An inclusive democracy 
 
Our true height is ever laid bare / Whenever we are tasked to rise 
On grounds of truth and justice there / We destroy prejudicial lies 
 
The tall refuse to stand aloof / Or cower in the face of wrong 
Boldly backing right, is sure proof / That in unity we’re made strong
 
It’s time to move past lip service / Found in apologies expressed
We must act now to bring justice / And true healing to the oppressed 


#truthandreconciliation #slavery  #firstnations