the power of a people under seige by geri lynn peak

the power of a people under seige (another omnipresence)

i have felt you

cold silent burning

lingering

just behind my shoulder

from the beginning

always there

a constant

i have seen you

a dim brightness

in the eyes of a nation

within a nation

in our actions/our lives

you rarely surface

trapped benearth the layers of cultural alienation

hopelessness

and a virulent self-hatred

fed by a society that may own

but never claim us

i have seen you ignite

out of anger and despiration

i have seen you take the leaders

inspire them to greatness

i have seen you blossom

unfolding petals of truth upon those too young

too brave

too realistic

too proud

to ignore your illumination

i have lain w/your cold briteness

given shelter to your wisdom

fed your fire with the coals of fresh indignations

every day

you have led me since birth

with fierce cold flames

to your true nature

the power of a people under siege

11/81