“Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.” ~ Sri Chinmoy
The first panel in the Nation of Nations series by my friend, artist Marjorie Guyon, incorporates the lyrics of America (My Country Tis of Thee). The work is an examination of America as a nation comprised of differing nations that, together, make us who we are. Each panel – there are 10 – contains a lyrical excerpt of the song. As well, each panel contains the phrase “have mercy on us” in one of 10 languages spoken every day in this country, from Cherokee to Haitian Creole. The work hangs in the entrance of the library. As I was leaving today I thought it especially poignant given tomorrow’s election. If you don’t vote, please reconsider. Men and women have died to give you that privilege. Honor them by exercising your right. You can make a difference.
America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)
Music: Thesaurus Musicus
1. My country,' tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside let freedom ring! 2. My native country, thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills; my heart with rapture thrills, like that above. 3. Let music swell the breeze, and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song; let mortal tongues awake; let all that breathe partake; let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong. 4. Our fathers' God, to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing; long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light; protect us by thy might, great God, our King.
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