They stand there,
whether of no consequence,
lone, stone survivors.
Who are they?
Past history
makers, shakers, breakers;
indelible, carved in stone,
bookmarks placed in collective memories.
Who are They?
"Unknown Soldier"
known heroes;
freedom fighters;
caring citizens;
men among men;
women of worth;
despicable despots;
lauded humanitarians;
no distinction between race, colour, tribe or creed,
grey stone, unpainted but named.
They are History;
immortalized;
lifted off texts,
stories told and re-told,
architects of good and evil,
reminders of greatness or horror,
necessary emotional conscience.
Destruction will not erase their deeds,
the Worlds built or annihilated;
living legends ---
past, present, future.
Ancestors knew them,
survived, cursed or praised them;
educators teach
generation after generation.
Remove statues, burn books;
kill our inheritance;
live with your guilt and stupidity.