"Show me the suffering of the most miserable,
so I may know my people's plight.
Free me to pray for others,
for you are present in every person.
Help me to take responsibility for my own life,
so that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others,
for in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience,
so that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration,
so that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow,
so that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice,
for they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us,
so we can change the world."
United Farm Workers prayer
"I keep trying to forget, but I must remember. And gather the scattered continents of a self, once whole. Before they plant flags and boundary my destiny. Push down the watered mountains that blemish this soiled soul before the valleys of my conscience get the best of me. I'll need a passport just to simply reach the rest of me. A vaccination for a lesser god's bleak history."
From "Gypsy Girl" by Saul Williams
