IS TIME

"it is time,"
the the old man told his children.   
The old man's mind flashed back 
over the years of tolerance 
and abuse endured 
to feed and shield his family 
so they could survive.

Within the household
the ageless oral traditions 
were passed on to the children 
and they grew with deep roots, 
values and respect.
They grew with skills,
with compassion and with goals.

They only suspected of the horror 
endured by their parents 
and they were taught to look 
beyond the bad, those few 
without heart or love.
They learned of community,
of leadership, and of involvement.

It was time,
and the shining moment
is bright
flowing
and kind.

Chema