Poetry

(The 21st Anniversary)

It has been 21 years now -
A long way from that Infamous day.
And what a day it was.
Although the path is strewn
With autumn leaves,
Such an event shall never be forgotten.

A day of Eternal darkness,
Or so it seemed,
Has evolved into a beautiful Day,
With skies of blue,
Just as clear as September 11, 2021 was -
Before the tragedy struck.

The tears are dried,
And faces are smiling again.
Newborns, and toddlers, are all grown.
And some survivors are now gone.
Nonetheless, in the heart of some,
I'm sure it, forever, will remain
A day of Eternal Darkness.

© 2022 Walterrean Salley

You may not have what others have,
But don't let that deter you.
There'll be the 'haves,' and the 'have-nots,'
Which means, there's work to do.

Roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Plan, and prepare, and execute.
So you can be among the "haves,"
With no regrets, nor ill repute.

© 2022 Walterrean Salley

When you've reached the end of your rope,
Tie a knot and hold on.
Gather strength, and renew your vision.
There is hope, and all isn't gone.

Don't sit and wait for things to happen,
Just wasting another precious day.
But believe all things are possible.
Rally the troops, and forage your way.

Arise. Rise up like the Phoenix.
Order your steps; take charge of your life.
And don't fear possible failure;
Keep on, though it cuts like a knife.

© 2022 Walterrean Salley

Everyday, we are reminded
That life is not an easy task.
Our uncanny 'will' to survive
Determines whether we'll last.

Accomplishments are easy
When the ball is in your court.
But when the odds are so great,
Well, that is another sport.

Through trials and tribulations,
We must learn to press our way -
If you are hoping to survive
And to fight another day.

And so, you must stand strong my friend,
Never - ever - giving in.
For you, too, must keep on fighting -
If there is a chance you`ll win.

© 2022 Walterrean Salley

In August 1997,
At a Parisian site,
Fate thrust the world to mourn -
Just past the stroke of midnight.

A beautiful princess at soaring height,
Suddenly lost her earthly light.
Sunday ended her mortal plight -
She breathed her last, and then took flight.

A kindly woman - full of life.
A doting mother, and longing wife.
Her adorable sons, two young lads,
Were left, solely, In care of their dad.

The world noted the touch of her hand -
The generous heart she shared with man.
Heads of state, moved with tears,
Honored the Princess' fruitful years.

America, France, Africa too,
Reflected upon the Diana they knew.
She touched lepers, which royals forbade.
Embraced the homeless and victims of AIDS.

An image of beauty. A charming dove.
A woman of courage. A token - beloved.
In the eyes of children, Diana stood tall.
She won their hearts, and loved them all.

With plenty to offer, she traveled a lot:
‘Twas everywhere. Then, she was not.
A pilgrimage came day and night
With oceans of gifts for tribute sites.

They stood for hours In sorted lines,
To leave expressions In books signed.
On September 6, fans of Di
Flooded the UK for a final goodbye.

The jammed cortege was over three miles:
Kensington to Abby. At Saint James she'd lie.
Many knew her, and many did not,
But all mourned the fate of her lot.

Cher'shed impressions upon the world.
A legacy of hope by a British girl.
A precious jewel… a towering steeple.
Forever the "Princess of the People."
© August 1997 walterrean salley

________________________________
Endnote: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana's death.

© 2022 Walterrean Salley