Liberty

She has risen among us in blunt reproach..
Rita Dove

The Lady steps
out of her graceful armor
and down from that pyramid
overlooking the sea.

Her crown, torch and book
shadow the harbor
with the sovereignty of a dream

while her flame rambles, gypsy sun
scalding lips of The Potomac,

staring hard at marble heads
in The Hall.

She almost turns those stone nobles
into gargoyles -- cursing members

who use The Linen Scroll
as a rag to shine their tea
service and taste.
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Note -- The compelling image of "Liberty" is by artist, Rita Tortorelli.