No single note is discordant.
No single vote voiced is wrong.
How the songwriter
puts the notes together
determines the song.
Our brains fine-tune our ears
to listen for the meaning
of words carried on the notes.
Some songs lift our spirits
to reach a higher cause.
Some songs depress our spirits
and make our hearts pause
with the fear of the other
we hated all along.
Some songs get us on our feet
to dance together, smile and sing.
Some songs hold us in our seats
ready to shout out in defeat.
The songs which truly make us strong
Are those we can rely upon
to offer hope, and love, and peace.
How the notes are brought together means everything.
The music that is America
is hard to sing if notes
are not treasured,
So many notes over so many years
from so many places refugees fled in fear
of famine, crime and even war.
We have sung the song of safety and of freedom,
welcoming all to our shore.
Songs that open minds and hearts
are the best place to start
a journey to a better future;
unlike the songs meant to keep us apart.
So many discordant notes
strung together create chaos,
not a strong and lovely song.
