Reflections: a poem by Mandy Eason inspired by our Uncomfortable Journey.

"For You Are Me--A Whisper From Our Ancestors"

I had my time on this earth & now it's past My spirit you see is free free at last

The conditions here were not right you see You will understand one day ... for you are me

My soul is not held captive anymore In this space it is clear that's not all what we're created for

After your visit you will question what should your response be Do not worry ... the journey will give you vision through my eyes ... for you are me

Do not carry on your shoulders the weight of my pain

For it would only hold you back & give strength to the chains once again

Take with you what is needed allow the rest to flee I am with you always and forever ...for you are me

Take with you what is needed allow the rest to flee I am with you always and forever ... for you are me

Now is the time for you to take flight You took the journey and to you I pass on my courage, my spirit, my fight

Together we must move forward continue to seek justice & create peace The pursuit for freedom lives on in you ... For you ... are me

Photo credit for Memorial sculpture detail: Shannon Sudduth

Mandy Bee hugging a fellow participant goodbye when we arrived back at Evanston Township High School (ETHS) at 1:15 a.m. Monday morning.