Bill Dahl

Wh(y) do we need a word,
That spares some from the full weight of the laws?
I suppose we have recognized,
Our democracy may exhibit flaws.

Based upon the above,
I thought I’d take some time.
To explain the wh(y) within this essential term,
With a simple, forthright rhyme.

All are birthed upon this planet,
the place, we have no choice.
As we awaken into consciousness,
Some scream in horror, while the rest of us rejoice.

Millions journey in search of mercy,
Led solely by hopes for a better life.
The journey leads to foreign lands.
They come with fearful children, man and wife.

Nation of power and plenty,
They hear the chorus of our sweet song.
Our nannies, cooks, laborers and waitresses,
What have they done wrong?

Enduring oppression and discrimination,
They work hard and follow orders.
Without their contributions,
Economic chaos occurs within our borders.

Seven letters in this simple word,
Freedom, liberty and justice have the same number.
Millions are waiting for us to awaken from,
Our duplicitous, self-righteous slumber.

There’s a dimension of forgiveness,
One we haven’t quite yet learned.
It’s a priceless gift from our Creator to be shared with the oppressed,
It’s not something that we’ve earned.

Y‘s the final letter.
Yet, it’s also the current question that we face.
Why should we grant them amnesty?
It’s the only thing you can do, with Almighty God’s free gift of grace.