by Doreen Gildroy
Oh let me be quiet and near.
It’s all I can offer.
I’ve nothing to show—frail,
disrobed.
A world’s brokenheartedness.
Whatever else I thought
loses me,
in fever state. Whatever
youth, hard pressed.
I wish to be a silent resting (growing
would be too much to ask)—in my
knowledge. I have none.
Talking as calmly—clearly
as I can. I can’t support
it.
You try to tell me your burden—
and I break. Can only weep
today, can only
shake. Not my lack of compassion, rather
all of it.
by Stephan Salisbury
The introduction to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Stephan Salisbury’s investigative memoir Mohamed’s Ghosts is titled “How to Take Down A Mosque.” It’s an eye-grabber for anyone who is watching closely the controversy around the Park51 Islamic community center and mosque slated to be built in Lower Manhattan.