Poem: Fullness of Heart (For Bab Al Shams/Gate of the Sun in Palestine)
Fullness of Heart
(For the people of Bab Al Shams, Gate of the Sun encampment
in Palestine). Watch the video below and glory in the magnificent voice of Bernice Johnson Reagon formerly of Sweet Honey in the Rock. When this voice is raised, pray it is raised for you.
I have learned today that this is not Bernice’s voice; the singer is as yet unknown. I claim it then as our voice, the one we recognize no matter whose breath is used.
©2013 by Alice Walker
We will never regret
having been born in this
cruel time
for we recognize it
for what it is: the time of fullness
of heart.
When the heart, on a daily basis
fills to capacity
and overflows
with love
of the people:
of the people’s
children, throwing stones against tanks,
of the people’s women
combatting erasure;
of the people’s men
risking all
for dignity
and peace.
Fullness of heart.
What is fullness of heart
but a heart
filled
a throat filled
eyes filled
with tears?
Tears we do not regret
because we the people
of the world
are standing fast
together
at last
on Palestine.
Who knows what will happen next?
Craziness has a long shelf life.
All we do know
is now is the time
to live life to the full
and without
regret.
I speak for myself
and I believe also
for you.
Standing fast
together at last.
For Palestine.
Our tears
no less than our blood
our glue.
Bab Alshams – We Shall Not Be Moved
