I wrote this poem on Election Night, following my poetry teacher’s prompt to write a poem about casting a spell. The original, gorgeous poem by Walt Whitman, also entitled “Reconciliation” was written about his experience as a nurse during the Civil War, where he saw no difference between Union and Confederate soldiers as they lay on their death beds. He used the line - from which I borrowed the line “A man divine as myself.” Whitman’s poem ends with Whitman kissing the white face of the dead enemy soldier.
I wave my wand and cast a spell
Of hope and healing
On those once called“
Deplorables”.
You are not deplorable –
Maybe scared or misinformed.
You have followed
A false prophet
Who gave you false hope.
Will you help me understand
Your fear, your blind eye?I
know that’s not who you really are –
You are a man or woman divine as myself.
I mix a magic potion and offer it
To soothe your woes and fears.
I cover everyone with a blanket of love –
Vast enough to surround the whole world.