Some days it’s not so easy to choose
the topic for Poetry Friday. I’ve been
thinking about the passing of Nelson Mandela, wondering how to share more that hasn't already been written, and eloquently.
Did we lose something of much value, or will his legacy be more powerful
now? Will there be someone else who
takes up the message? Although it is always on my mind, at this Christmas time of year for many, I think about those
military women and men who will miss being with their families, are
missing their growing children, their aging parents, the changes at home. On our television, we have more than one
military person saying hello to their families here, so I send a
thought and a prayer to them across the miles, wishing they could come home,
and soon. I wish for peace.
And then, today, a dear friend and
colleague with whom I trade books back and forth brought me a book to read,
which I want to share with you. Maya Angelou’s Amazing Peace, A Christmas
Poem was published in 2005. The
dedication says: “For my great-grandchildren, Caylin Nicole Johnson and Brandon
Bailey Johnson. For all the children of
the world, who, in order to grow healthily, need our love and poetry.” The message is written, and I cannot write it better, only agree.