Colin Powell: May He Be Given Grace

Gone now, and yet forever here to stay,
a giant among us, a soldier on display.
This folklore hero, patriot.
A veteran of the wars.
A statesman of the nation…

Overcoming many bars.
His immigrant descent not hindering  ascent.
Ever toiling upwards, his rise…
without remorse, without  discontent.
Unquestioned four-star general.

A Secretary of State…
A servant of the nation…
without rancor, without hate.
Not bound by party loyalty,
but servant to the hilt.

Republicans hail his glory,
the faith and trust he built.
And Democrats praise his conscience,
his moral fortitude…
Uplifting all to greater realms.

With violence eschewed,
kings, queens, and presidents salute him.
Nations bid him their farewell.
His fame is without boundaries…
An international out-swell…

He inhabits now new pastures…
New challenges to face.
This noble statesman…resting.
May he be granted favor.
May he be given Grace.