SEE THE SLEEPING GIANT WAKEN
(Dedicated to WTC victims) RIP September 11, 2001
Once a nation slept so deeply,
Dreaming of a future bright –
Safely wrapped in velvet blankets,
Dozing gently through the night.
With no thought of threat or enemy
From within or from without,
Although others tried to warn it
With a frightened lonely shout.
It could scarce conceive the hatred
Building, brewing a disease
That would dare to bring infection
To a populace at peace.
See the sleeping giant waken,
Ponder, choose the proper path;
Bearing arms and wearing armor,
He is mighty in his wrath.
That mighty giant is America -
All barbarians should flee
From a country with an awesome strength
That says, “Do not tread on me”.
What was once an unknown menace
Is now seen throughout the world,
As a righteous people swiftly rise,
Their banners all unfurled
To do battle with a faceless
And a diabolic foe,
Who scarce can show themselves in public,
Who feel safer down below
Where they cower down in darkness
Far from decency and light;
Where they safely hide their fear of those
They can’t begin to fight.
Then they spy the raging giant
Followed by an angry mob,
As he sees arms aren’t needed
When his legs will do the job.
Watch them scatter now as roaches
Who once hid beneath the street;
See them flattened to oblivion
By two very angry feet.
Now the world can pause and shudder,
Breathe a long collective sigh -
Unaware of tiny roach eggs
Nestled safely there nearby.
We must sleep, but not so soundly
That we do not fail to hear
All the sounds of furtive evil
Which the sensible should fear.
And so, slumber, mighty giant –
You deserve a proper rest,
But do not forget this lesson:
One who is prepared is blessed.
Copyright 2004 Peter Sherman All rights reserved.
