The sky grows dark. Thunder heralds the approaching storm. The lamplight flickers. A passing dove stops to rest on the icon’s shoulder.
“Tell me, friend.” The great lady creaks in the wind. “What’s the news from the outside world?”
The symbol of peace pushes off from the knotted fold in the grand dame’s tarnished tunic and fights the gathering gale so that he may perch on her ear. “Given the turn in the weather, it has been suggested that a cloak be stitched for you.”
“Now? But I’ve withstood greater storms than this for nearly thirteen decades. That’s not to say that a wrap would certainly keep my shoulders warm. And what of my standing invitation?
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
A cloak of such great length will surely cover up all that I stand for.”
The bird nodded. “Indeed, it will.”
“No. Someone will come to my aid. I am sure of it. Someone shall remind them of the open arms afforded their ancestors when they first arrived in this land; the freedoms they enjoyed; the plenty that was shared in times of need -”
“I’m not so sure.” The bird’s wings fluttered. It was all he could do to stay balanced.
“Keep the faith, my friend. If a spark can be fanned and burst into flame, the gentle reminder of a forgotten history can surely fling the locked doors of compassion and understanding wide open.”
The bird hopped into Lady Liberty’s ear canal to avoid being swept away. “And, if not?”
“Then all I have ever stood for is a lie.”
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
Oh, Donna. These are sad, forgetful times. What a lovely allegory.
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Thank you Susanne. I felt like I had to say something, but without going all ape-doo-doo. There’s certainly enough of that in the world.
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Agreed. No more ape doo-doo!
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The tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free, will still come, and will still be welcomed, but perhaps the little bird sees what comes in their wake. Those who would, if they had their way, destroy not only all that the great lady stood for, but the great lady herself. When you think of The Lady’s origins, there must surely be a feeling of great sadness for the events of last week in France.
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That thought 😦 occurred to me too Lyn. Stay well!
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Lovely, just lovely. You know where I stand here given that I live lately in a state of ape doo doo!
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That’s why I love you 🙂
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