The Sanctuary of Presente

This poem was created by Kenneth Kennon in Arizona, organizer of the Ft. Huachuca event, sister action to the Close the School of the Americas vigil:

The Sanctuary of Presente

by Kenneth Kennon

The fence was transformed

Once again

Into an unseasonable sacred space

A sanctuary of nonviolence

By the power of the spirit

Festooned on chain-links and barbed wire

White crosses and stars hung

Carrying names of the disappeared

Their holy images

And banners with messages of hope

This quiet metamorphosis

Emerged from simple acts of many hands

As tears welled

Names rang through stately wood

Of brillant and falling leaves of autumn

In solemn preparation

Of a joyous spring

Presente