Shelter (2023)
Shelter is the work of many hands.
Community, history, belonging, all from loving hands.
Colors of islands and nations, culture and tradition,
Strands of ochre, indigo, rose, brought together by our weaving hands.
We paint murals on empty walls, filling our streets with color,
Moments of wonder tucked around corners, the work of unwavering hands.
We admire our rusting and rigid beauty,
Image and history captured by cameras in our exploring hands.
We plant rose gardens, heirlooms of an old city.
A vibrant and beautiful legacy to share, from our blossoming hands.
We sculpt likenesses of friends, neighbors, history’s heroes –
They remind us of the power of questioning, giving, uplifting hands.
We give sanctuary, we say yes to the challenge.
We lift, and build, and protect each other with our clasping hands.
Paint upon canvas, layer upon layer, mix and blend
The vivid image of what could be, brushed by our dreaming hands.
Children thrive, and dance in the street.
The music rises, the laughter echoes, we clap with our rejoicing hands.
We build the gateway, the arched door- step through!
Celebrate with us, this thriving life – this artful existence, from our dazzling hands.