I enjoy photography as it is a means to memorialize time.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” Elie Wiesel

"The word "revolution" has of course acquired a subversive connotation in modern times. But it has roots that are eminently respectable in American history. This country is the product of revolution. Our very being emphasizes that when grievances pile high and there are no political remedies, the exercise of sovereign powers reverts to the people. Teaching and espousing revolution-as distinguished from indulging in overt acts-are therefore obviously within the range of the First Amendment. "

- William O. Douglas, W.E.B. Du Bois Clubs v. Clark, 389 U.S. 309, 315-16 (1967)

"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations"

James Madison, June 16, 1788

Lifetime to fix

Contemplating deeds on my bed of death

of good and bad, toward my last breath

Things I’ve done, the rights and wrongs

of all the words, that should be songs

I think of those I’ve hurt and spurned

deserving now what I’ve earned

Scornful words to another

Offended my God, offended my brother

Given new chances I’d change my way

healing wounds prior, to judgment day

Final hours near, the clock still clicks

too little too late for a lifetime to fix

What I now know, if only then

I’d change my path from where I’d been

We have the chance from the start

but often see, when its time to part

The lessons learned when faced with death

They should have been used with each new breath

I can only hope that souls hear thoughts

or my apologies are all for naught

If life is lived in the last few hours

my spores of sorrows will bloom like flowers

For those of you left, to see and learn

the lessons are there, at every turn

Brian K. Blackden ©