For thoughtful minds, a mystery
to watch modern iconoclasts
destroy statues of fathers’ cast;
we cannot erase history
so why hate sculpture bitterly?
Denial will repeat the past:
agenda hides behind a mask,
mobs pave a road to anarchy.
Remember that all men bleed red,
to judge by skin is fool’s extreme.
Lament the blood spilled on our sod,
mourn hostile words in anger said,
let truth and justice reign supreme
and leave all vengeance unto God!
See Daily Wire’s brief comments and video by former NBA star, Charles Barkley
a poem in my pocket 
Aug 25, 2017 @ 04:18:02
‘Remember that all men bleed red, to judge by skin is fool’s extreme’.. I wholeheartedly agree!
Aug 25, 2017 @ 09:57:32
Thanks, Sanaa.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:44:56
I agree with you Lynn ~ This shows ignorance and to think we keep repeating the same mistakes ~ Your ending is good:
let truth and justice reign supreme
and leave all vengeance unto God!
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:59:16
The ending lines are best, I think! Thanks, Grace.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:42:28
You can tear down all statues but that doesn’t erase what was. I look forward to a day when skin color is not an issue, nor religion, nor any of the other things that divide us now. I wonder if that day will ever come?
Aug 24, 2017 @ 21:09:45
Me too…that day when the kingdom of heaven arrives!
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:34:26
Destroying statues does not destroy what WAS. Let’s learn from history and move on…statues are not the issue. But people’s emotions run hot and heavy these days…
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:41:53
So true…thanks for your insight, Gayle.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:29:56
Understanding… there is no permanence
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:33:29
Truth is permanent but all idols will fall…
Aug 24, 2017 @ 19:00:28
I think part of the issue is when the statues were conceived and erected. I believe those who are upset with them have been so for a long long time — as a reminder of Jim Crow laws. These are troubling times and feelings foment and are spilling to the surface. It seems those who spew hatred have been given more of a “stage” / publicity / microphone / than in recent years —- and this is unfortunate indeed.
Okay — shall stop. Do not want to get drawn into debate here.
Obviously a good write as it has engaged your readers 🙂
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:07:44
Thanks, Lillian. I appreciate your comments…good to try to see all sides of an issue.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 18:06:29
Excellent poem that cuts through the revisionism of history. And as an artist and sculptor the artistic endeavor transcends the ‘message’. Except in the cases of statues of Hitler.
I understand there is a movement to topple C. Columbus. Ack another national holiday taken away.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:05:08
Yes, I understand how statues of evil dictators are offensive…but Columbus?! Every human (dead or alive) has a mixed record but should be recognized for genuine character or accomplishments.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 18:05:44
I agree to leave vengeance to God.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 15:19:14
I totally agree! Destroying the statues, trying to wipe up and clean up history to suit the whims of a few? No way. Let us instead look at the past and learn from it. Well done!
Aug 24, 2017 @ 15:34:55
Thanks, Toni! Yes, let’s be reasonable, not reactionary.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 15:42:58
Hear hear! It is stupid to think that tearing down a few statues will change history and the way people perceive it.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 15:18:29
I think that the statues needs to be presented in a way so that they don’t make slavery heroic… isn’t that the issue?
Of course we have discussion of kings from the past as well… but the statues stand.
Aug 24, 2017 @ 15:32:25
Yes, that is the issue, Bjorn. Slavery and fascism are both offensive! We should learn from history.