By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2022

First published in the NIABA News, Vol. 1 (2023)

Strong ties of our connection
and bonds of values shared
are deeper than divisions
daily trumpeted and aired.

Democracy resilient,
institutions standing fast,
show wisdom of our Founders,
building liberty to last.

From the birth of our nation
there were differences at play,
yet principles unite us
despite tempers that may fray.

Imperfect as are humans
are the forms of government,
yet the most perfect systems
that we ever did invent…
are ones enshrining freedom –
that no one should circumvent.

With cries for freedom ringing
from Beijing to Teheran,
with courageous protesters
in Russia and Kazakhstan,
there is no sanctuary
for those who would freedom ban.

So stand fast with our beacon
of light high upon a hill,
for no power can deny
divine gift of our free will.