When white clouds gradually gray
threatening a darker curtain to pull and sway -
when the sun slips submissively slowly behind
refusing to confront, unable to shine -
when raindrops fall unceasing
gaining momentum, increasing
and every puddle welcomes with a …

Those purple mountains their majesty
Has dimmed in recent years -
And trodden soil whose pavement lay
carved with heels of human clay
by pilgrim’s feet
with freedom’s beat
her passion hushed away.

Spacious skies above amber grain
From shining sea to …