White Buffalo Calf Woman (Jessica Roseheart) shaved her head One day before the war started in Iraq The Buddhists were meeting in Santa Cruz to shave their heads too On the first day of war and there were those who shaved their heads in Mohawks for Peace And we had a Peace March in Santa Cruz And continued a Vigil for Peace At the Peace Park by the Santa Cruz Clock tower Across from the Post Office (where they let us sleep at night If we awakened by morning's first light) Downtown, at the beginning of the Pacific Garden mall ( that used to be for All -in a bygone day) when love and music held sway and dancing to jazz was really "rad" When we all smiled and played and there were no "quotas" for cops And no need for violent talk All were welcome and the whole place "hopped" Now we hold vigils for Peace Requiems for Freedom, Prayers for Release From poverty's Curse: the "henchmen for the ruling class" Who stands out for Freedom's Challenge? The Vets in the 60's said it was I and I have been singled out To have my children assaulted in the streets (by the cops) With the same violence as "good cause" fathers They say they are here to provide surcease To help the defenseless Not be their defeat! When "Ask and ye shall receive" is panhandling When love and laughter and a smile Are grounds for suspicion and the violent arrest of a child (calling
her a liar and a thief and a "runaway" -she who has lived here 8 years
or so and never had "trouble" walking downtown before) Until the police went "cruzin'" to bring my children down... Then , no one is safe in this place Or even in the human race! The famine of which we speak: stringing flowers for the dead of all wars at the park for Peace where a bronze statue reveals: Hiroshima's family being congealed And melted while holding on to each other for a final second No redemption, no resurrection, can ever excuse the abomination unto desolation Painful effect of atomic rays Spent uranium for the history of the universe stays Cursing each future generation For the crimes of the parents Who followed retribution No forgiveness can touch an heart of Stone! Only an Heart of flesh Can feel the Breath Of Love Redeemed, Atoned And Blessed!