Over forty folks -- metaphorically bloodied, horribly disappointed, and saddened after working for week on end joyfully, tirelessly for small-r republican values -- met in the little storefront on North Broad Street in Rome that has been our coordinated campaign headquarters. We commiserated as we shared food and drink and hugs. And a bit of inspiration from Kevin Aronhalt, Shawn Harris, Allen Babcock, Bishop Norris Allen, and Vincent Mendes and others. Vincent closed the meeting with this poem. I knew immediately that I would want to share it here. Much thanks to the poet, Chelan Harkin, for permission to do that.
It’s when the earth shakes
And foundations crumble
That our light is called
To rise up.
It’s when everything falls away
And shakes us to the core
And awakens all
Of our hidden ghosts
That we dig deeper to find
Once inaccessible strength.
It’s in times when division is fierce
That we must reach for each other
And hold each other much
Much tighter.
Do not fall away now.
This is the time to rise.
Your light is being summoned.
Your integrity is being tested
That it may stand more tall.
When everything collapses
We must find within us
That which is indomitable.
Rise, and find the strength in your heart.
Rise, and find the strength in each other
Burn through your devastation,
Make it your fuel.
Bring forth your light.
Now is not the time
To be afraid of the dark.
by Chelan Harkin
Used by permission of the poet.
Chelan Harkin's book The Prophetess, The Return of The Prophet from The Voice of The Divine Feminine. Is available on Amazon. It’s a book for these times.
Art by Mikko Raima
Image shared from The Cosmic Dancer
