When the sky lights up at sunrise and sunset
the Museum of Human Rights
shines in its most auspicious way
here in Winnipeg
the Museum is like a candle
of hope
There the bright sky shines
on the idea of human rights
making us all feel a part of solving issues
and part of the Great Creator’s ultimate plan
since it is at the Forks
the historic meeting place where
the Red and Assiniboine meet
The early Indigenous groups first
met at this place
6000 years ago
we all meet here now, reconciling
and trying to remember our histories
trying to form new positive futures
under the umbrella of human rights
shielding us all from the shadow of
dark pasts
letting new sunrise and sunset in through the clouds
so past can be past.
If you cite this poem, please use the following reference.
Smith, K.E. (2016). Human Rights (a poem). 47(1) Classmate: Journal of the Manitoba Association
of Teachers of English. Winnipeg, MB: Canada.