Poetry Corner 

With perception of a human invasion, our tendencies are to build walls, but in our history, walls have not been successful in keeping out those whom we do not wish entrance, but in building bridges we span the things that have kept us apart.  Misunderstandings and perceptions can be misleading.  This poem states it simply that we will become more successful if we choose to build bridges instead of walls. 

            Build Bridges, not Walls

Build bridges not barriers, 
Bridges are not an ending,
As the journey continues
While barriers prevent passage, 
Bridges offer opportunity
And are remember long 
After the bridge is crossed, 
But barriers are obstacles
That must be overcome, 
And once overcome
Are reminders of times
When there were those 
Who did not approve 
Of what we were trying to accomplish
Build bridges not barriers, 
No matter how high the wall, 
Someone will find a way over it,
From Berlin to Hadrian’s Wall
Even the Great Wall
Could not keep the invaders out,
Architects and builders
Who lay the foundation of the future, 
Give us some idea of who we are
What kind of people once lived here, 
And see the barriers before the bridges 
Could there be any doubt 
Could there be any doubt?

Sometimes barriers become cages
Prisons and places of confinement,
In haste to refrain, we contain
And once the they are let go, 
Someone will ask 
What were those cages for?
What will the answer be?
What will the answer be?  
Build bridges not barriers,
There is enough that separates us now,
Hear the voices of anger, 
But not a word of what is being said, 
We are angered by symbols
Trivialization and misinterpretation 
Propaganda becomes the barrier, 
While the bridge is that act of kindness
That no one ever sees.
Time to build the bridges, 
And open up our hearts.