UPROOTED
As winds are designated by the direction from
which they flow,
Americans are distinguished by the nation from which they came.
Ethnicity encompasses more than a passport and name.
Through medieval roots, Portuguese celebrate the Holy Ghost;
they revere family; grow abundant masses of blue hydrangea,
flourishing grape arbors neighbors behold with nostalgia.
As we observe traits, let us search for the full portrayal
How many of us, for fear of danger or betrayal
dare not explore our roots, nor venture to reveal secret seeds?
From what beginning were all Portuguese Christian?
Were those who kneeled to Christ by royal decree?
History grieves the brutal winds of Inquisition
that raged from Lisbon to Guarda through Tomar
and left, upon Jewish chronicles, one more indelible scar.
Cross-currents of cold-blooded political change
submerged liberty and brought an end to the Golden Age
of Maimonides, Halevy, Ibn Ezra, Zacuto, Abravanel.
Currents are designated by the direction toward which they are set.