The Marathon of Humanity

(dedicated to Mike Cooper a.k.a. Sir Coop)

This torch of civilization's marathon,
this torch of egalitarian progress,
this torch has been carried by stalwart heroes
like Sacagawea and Frederick Douglas,
has been progressed by the long legs
of Lincoln, Darwin, and Shakespeare

This bright flame of the humane
has survived stormy, nazi nights
and derived inspiration from the very lightning bolts
of the Inquisition

Its history stretches back
farther than any eye can see
and has been recorded on countless cavewalls
and in Bardic melodies

To carry this torch
is to call Christ, Einstein, and Steinbeck: "comrade"
to live and die by the primal pulse of Gaiia
to with Vulnerable hand extend
the flaming olive-branch!!