This I Believe Poem by Nancy Terrell

I believe that - even though we
Were not created equal at birth
We are, most definitely, equal
According to the statutes of the law

That according to our Constitution
With equal and unalienable rights
All men and women are protected, by law,
To practice their views and opinions in total safety

That all interpretations are to be respected by
Citizens of our land, guarded and
Protected by our country and constitution
For us to live free of dissent and anger

I believe in the church and religion
Of my birth; my father was an elder
And my father wouldn’t lie – how am I to know
That the church is built on falsehoods?

I believe that America is a democracy
That all races and creeds are respected
And that of our rights are preserved by
Our Constitution & Declaration of Independence

How was I to know that centuries later
Leaders would appear in opposition to it all
Tearing down the very structure of our dignity
And human rights as individuals?

I believe in the inalienable rights of all mankind
To prosper and create according to their talents
Never to know that a New World Order desires
To make us all slaves again.

When did we begin on this road to apathy?
Not acknowledging danger when it appears -
Much less fight for it. When did we become sheeple?
Ready to follow anyone on the easy path?

Lo and behold – for unto you is born this day
A king/queen of your soul – who shall know the difference
Between tyranny and freedom
Between the difference of selling out and compliance?

I believe that we all make a difference
Each one of us, individually, can contribute our talents
Driving to make our world a better and more harmonic place
where we all can live in harmony and balance

I believe, that after centuries of stupid wars, we can finally
Evolve to that place of recognition
Where our brothers & sisters, friends & relatives, strangers & children
Are actually connected deeply to ourselves

When we can and will acknowledge the plant & animal kingdom
As being instrumental to our emotional & spiritual selves
A part of us, of all, in the totally connected universe
Living in understanding, acceptance and goodwill

I believe in this and much more
And no one – not even my country’s leaders
To whom I have pledged my allegiance and trust
Has a right to take these beliefs away from me.