A Letter to America

"How beautiful dare we make this world?"

Dear Citizens of Soul Boom,

Here in the US it’s Election Day and we’re thrilled to share something special—a poem by Chelan Harkin that speaks to the heart of who we could become as a country. In Dear America, Chelan captures a vision for an America that bends without breaking, an America that chooses connection over division and creation over collapse.

Chelan’s work is all about breaking away from old narratives of separation and hierarchy, and embracing our inherent interconnectedness. With each line, Dear America calls us to rise together, to rewrite ancient stories, to foster unity in diversity, and to pledge allegiance to a future that is rooted in compassion, dignity, and collective healing.

Chelan’s latest book, The Prophetess.

On this election day and beyond, as we reflect on the choices ahead and the kind of country and world we’re striving to create, may her words remind us of our potential to create a world that is beautiful, inclusive, and deeply interconnected.

With love and solidarity,
The Soul Boom Team

Dear America,

In this time of tremendous change,

Where we are invited to bend instead of break,

Respond instead of react,

Create instead of collapse,

Let’s deepen our pledge—

Rise with me, put your hand on your heart

And let’s say together:

I pledge allegiance to a goodness that knows no polarity,

And a light that knows no opposite.

I pledge allegiance to the breaking

Of every glass ceiling

That once held possibility inside.

I pledge to crown thy good

With sister and brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

May we sing the anthem

Of the land of the truly free,

One of unity in diversity.

A unity that, rather than be threatened by its diversity,

Knows it is stronger and healthier for it.

May we pledge to stand together in rewriting

Ancient, ignorant stories

That made us violent beasts

Instead of soaring eagles.

May we pledge our devotion to the home of the brave,

That borderless birthplace deep in our chests,

Where beauty again and again takes her first breath.

America, may we pledge to put our hearts together

And consider,

How beautiful dare we make this world?

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Chelan Harkin is a poet and inspirational speaker exploring the mystical connections among “the family of things.” In Susceptible to Light, Let Us Dance: The Stumble and Whirl with The Beloved, Wild Grace, and her newest work, The Prophetess: The Return of The Prophet from The Voice of The Divine Feminine, she explores how we can heal from trauma, embrace self-realization, and cultivate a deeper sense of wholeness. Chelan has shared her unique, inspired voice across the country, encouraging others to open their hearts and dismantle barriers that keep us divided. She lives in Washington State with her children, Amari and Nahanni. Find her on Instagram: @chelanharkin.