My Brother José

Time has passed
So little changed
You raised the call
In freedom’s name

That call rings still
It guides our path
It gives us strength
Against the wrath

Of those who would
Seek to enslave
The truth and rights
All people crave

They took your life
But could not see
The blood they shed
Fed liberty

You are alive
Inside our heart
We pledge to you
To do our part

The task is ours
To lead by choice

Fight for the weak
And give them voice

We must shout out
And lift our hands
Again it’s time
To take a stand

Honor and courage
Must win the day
We owe you this
My brother José


This poem is dedicated to two of my heroes, men who were not afraid to stand against tyrany, men who loved liberty. These two great men, their writings and sacrifices have inspired my own walk. In Loving memory, Rest in Peace José Martí of Cuba (José Julián Martí Pérez January 28, 1853–May 19, 1895) and Dr. José Rizal of the Philippines (Dr. José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896)

Freedom

That state into which all beings are born

A birthright that only the holder can relinquish or reclaim

More than conceptual it is in fact the basis of the spiritual

Wars cannot create nor destroy it

A force of nature more powerful than any other of God's creations

It carries with it great responsibility

And like the creator it has many names

Freedom, liberty, independence, choice, will, sovereignty

The poets and bards have sung of it

The people of the world yearn for it

Respecting it in others enhances our own

And one day when we all understand that we hold it in our very hands

We will find the most elusive and apparent road to ascension

Remeber that you are FREE and you will be truely ALIVE and HAPPY