the shadow

THE STORYTELLER

I wanted to share a poem I wrote as a way of understanding where our country as found itself. We are decidedly under attack from an ancient foe. How many would be astounded to discover that this very conversation between conservatives and liberals was held in our country in 1776. At that time Jefferson was trying to find a way to peace with Muslim states led by Tunisia. Jefferson was told that the Koran demanded that the United States was to be conquered and enslaved. The Koran was translated into English not as an enlightened exercise but as a way of understanding a determined enemy. This is an ancient conversation that has not changed in over two hundred years. Having said this I will be controversial and ask the good people, those Muslims, that enjoy the freedoms and liberty of our great country, those good and kind people that live in Europe, Africa, and in the Pacific to examine their hearts and stand up to put a stop to the monsters that kill without remorse women, children, destroy property, annihilate the trees, gardens and good Earth that God has made for the sake of a misguided and cynical view. Certainly wrongs need to be made right and old wounds must heal but nothing justifies murder and mayhem. Is this truly what God wants? When we are called before the Throne how will we answer for our actions? I have loved ones in this fight as do the fathers and mothers of good Muslim families that call Iraq their home so I am involved as are they. With humility I offer this poem and I hope the reader can find some understanding.

The Shadow ken lehnig

The Shadow stands there wrought with dire suspect
No wisdom weighs it's voice as to what will beset us
Laughter left- nightmares on us more and wild dark
We are now lost, even stilled in the bitterest regret

Weary of darkness we gathered forth warriors free
Away I said - grim faced we upon this awful threat
Our homes besieged our peace shattered and undone
Someone must drive the rank and horror into the sea

We go strong about to face such loathsome dawns
Gray skies and raw, dire cold and screeching wind
Who knows It's miserable name and dreadful plan?
Yet we fear for our lives cast and thrown as pawns

Take heart Fate surly has not this day penned
A story that would have us lose this day.
Before the trumpet calls us to our final stand
Our path foretold now until the worlds called end

There is no terror greater than an unknown foe
There is no hatred larger than righteous vengeance
Just bitter anger for one who feeds funeral fires
No profit war when enterprise fills the burial row

Death comes easy, all gone, none right or seen as just
All is asked and all is given to lift the black iron weight
That evil does appear to weaken mans cold resolve
So sad that goodly steel, worn well, will fade and rust

So whatever this day shall grant we weary
We bare its weight full and take back what is ours
We go upon the path we brave, we strong, we many
Into the mountains bitter cold and darkly dreary

So off we go horns blaring in the gladding sun
Off we go to send the Beast back to hell
Fight we will to have our life's regained
We will stay our worry for our daughter's son

So pray thee quiet, clear heart and honor true
For each path turns the single wheel of life
May Providence keep a loving eye on us all
Grant victory over dark , return the sky to blue

God Bless us everyone.
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