While twentysome people gathered via Zoom and physically with proper distancing, little did we know that we would unearth gems while holding the U.S. election process in affirmative prayer. Many shared powerful intentions and prayers of respect, equality, civility and more while collectively generating the energy to sustain these. One that stood out and set the tone is Katja Sage's invocation to start this event. Such is its poignancy and clarity that we just had to share it with you. It is worth reading Ode to Lady Liberty multiple times. It starts with quoting the The New Colussus by Emma Lazarus which is inscribed at Lady Liberty's feet in New York Harbor.
Ode to Lady Liberty
“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “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-tost to me
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
(The New Colossus, Emma Lazarus, Nov 2, 1883)
Our Lady, Lady of Liberty, ancient and eternal Libertas,
these words are inscribed at the foundation of your statue,
your physical representation in this land.
They are engraven in our hearts
and in the heart of Democracy, itself.
We invoke your healing presence,
your promise of solace and sanctuary,
of all peoples living as One beyond your shores.