Mothers of Exiles!

Boston Common No Kings

These five women holding up the iconic symbol of freedom were most likely unaware when they created their cardboard cutouts that they themselves would become symbolic as "Mothers of Exiles"-- a line in the poem embronzed at the base of the Statue of Liberty.*

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles.*

I was among the 180,000 Americans huddled in 30-degree sunshine with my daughter to lift the flame of hope. Decent, everyday people on behalf of others and ourselves came together under the NO KINGS banner joined by ALL Massachusetts elected officials including Senators Markey and Warren. Each spoke forcefully in opposition to the current administration's ruthless policies against immigrants -- against freedoms-- given to each of us. Not to mention, yet again, an unlawful war against another country.

Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in St. Augustine, Florida waving in sunny skies were reminders of how those freedoms were fought for 250 years ago, and continue to be fought for now.

St Augustine, Florida No Kings photo by Thomas Schwartz

Those very freedoms were finally claimed for all future generations and Lady Liberty has been holding them in her other hand etched in stone forevermore.

*https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46550/the-new-colossus