Extraordinary People For Extraordinary Times Poem by Deanna Samuels

Somehow, they come at the right time
A time when they are most needed
Every age throughout history has had special people
People that shine, stand out at a pivotal moment

A well-known cliche portrays
"Every dog has its day"
How true in human terms too
That so many owe so much to so few

Civilizations have come and gone from sight
Each unfolding a hero, a guiding light
Generations of millions of folk
Hold forth that one great being to ease their yoke

In my own early life with so much strife abound
It was Winston Churchill who stood firm, turned defeat around
Without his guidance, determination and resolute
The United Kingdom would have fallen to the jackboot

Scientists as the Curies, Fleming, Salk and so many more
Turned the table on deadly diseases on every shore
Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing yore
Administered care, solace and hope during the Crimean War

Abraham Lincoln in the USA 1860's did his bit bravely
Freeing the yoke of millions forced into slavery
For that good deed, the President paid with his life
Shot down attending play at Ford's Theatre with his wife

George Washington too, first President of the US of A
Considered father of his country for leadership display
So too, was President Nelson Mandela of South Africa fame
He turned the tide of apartheid so all were the same

Even Moses, over three thousand years ago
Led his people to freedom, to grow
Roaming the desert for forty years
To clear out past memories and tears

Think of the inventors of robotics, hydro and steam
Of air waves transmitting a message, a picture, a dream
Early explorers of the New World, discoverers of outer space
Great athletes with superior power and pace

Past and present builders of monumental edifices
Renowned artists of paintings, sculpture and tapestries
Performers of stage and silver screen, adored idols of ecstasy
Music composers, writers of word; Shakespeare, the greatest legacy

Has another being of his time truly come forth
Someone of special vision, humanity and worth
A new American President has taken the Oath
Can he unite his country, the world or both


Written at Courtice, Ontario - 25th January 2021