On November 11, 2020

Tribute to Joe

By Marguerite Jill Dye, Killington

I never knew I craved normalcy

To such an extent, to such a degree.

But suddenly, I’m finding myself

Heaving sigh after sigh of needed relief.

Your calm, steady voice and healing words,

Spoken directly from your heart,

Soothe my soul, calm my nerves,

Alleviate headaches, lower blood pressure.

I never knew I crave normalcy

To such an extent, to such a degree.

You give me hope, Joe, that we will survive

Through this pandemic and other disasters.

If only you could have come sooner, Joe,

How many lives could you have saved?

But January’s better than never

And I am grateful you’re well on your way.

I never knew I crave normalcy

To such an extent, to such a degree.

With a simple face change on screen after screen,

I’ll no longer feel the urge to scream.

You’re restoring my faith in humanity, Joe.

Your kindness, compassion, inclusion, and caring

Are replacing the bitterness, anger, and hatred

That has spewed forth day after day,

Assaulting serenity, sensitivity, sanity,

Human decency, and integrity.

I’m decompressing with sighs of relief

That can be heard across the room.

The stress and exhaustion have left me limp.

But your arrival on the scene is the remedy that I need

To overcome and counteract the despair and hopelessness that I have felt.

I crave a leader who lifts us up,

Who doesn’t degrade us or negate us,

Who keeps us safe from pandemics and wars

With a level head, science, and good advisors.

I crave a leader who respects human rights,

Who strengthens families and unites them,

Who reconstructs, does not deconstruct,

Our Democracy’s building blocks.

I crave a leader who speaks the truth,

Comprehends Climate Change, protects the Earth

And serves everyone he represents,

Not only himself and the top 1%.

I seek a team that raises the bar and

Leads us to a sustainable future.

I seek a team that understands the value of education,

Civil rights, equal opportunity, and living wages.

With you as our leader, we can work together

To feed the hungry, house the homeless,

Provide safety, security, liberty, justice,

And healthcare for all Americans.

I believe you’re the man for the job, Joe,

With your steadfastness and determination,

Deep inner peace and cooperative nature,

You lead by example through your good deeds and words.

Please teach us tranquility and share your vision.

Heal our ailing world and Nation.

I firmly believe it can be done

With the spirit and guidance of your leadership.

 

With so many resources on our Earth

It’s only a matter of strategizing and prioritizing

To meet and fulfill humanity’s needs.

I realize it may take some time

But whatever it takes, it will be worthwhile.

Now is the time to redefine and unite,

To roll up our sleeves and once again become

The shining, inspiring Nation the world admires,

Leading responsibly and effectively

From the magnificent City on the Hill.

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