A Poetic Reflection on Democracy: PA Humanities Debuts Yolanda Wisher’s “The Window Keeper”

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, PA Humanities is proud to release a special version of The Window Keeper, a powerful new poem written by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher. Animated by digital artist Naeem Murdic and supported by PA Humanities and generous donors, this poem is a poignant reflection on democracy, and the enduring promises of the Declaration of Independence.

“As we prepare for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we are reminded of the critical role each of us plays in ensuring the vitality of democracy,” said Dawn Frisby Byers, Senior Director of Content and Engagement at PA Humanities. “The Window Keeper serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us to cherish and preserve our highest ideals for future generations.”

The Window Keeper draws on vivid imagery and profound symbolism to connect the past to the present. Inspired by the sight of a lone window cleaner scaling the heights of a Philadelphia skyscraper, Yolanda Wisher’s poem likens the Declaration of Independence to a “Giant Window” that “needs to reflect the light of each new day.” Naeem Murdic brings Wisher’s words to life, offering a stunning visual accompaniment to the poem’s call for shared responsibility in building a thriving democracy.

“The image of this lone person braving heights to maintain the facade and shine of the building struck me as both confounding and powerful,” Wisher explained. “We all need to embody that kind of risk and care to preserve the promise of America… Like the window cleaner in the poem, we are all keepers of the Declaration; we have a responsibility to make it relevant to our everyday life, to uphold and fight for its principles of liberty and equality.”

Wisher also highlights the essential role of the humanities, noting, “The humanities, like poetry, allow us to see the spaces between our truths and differences and to embrace the nuances of what it means to be human and connected to one another.”

The animated version of The Window Keeper showcases the interplay between words, art, and technology, demonstrating the power of creative collaboration to spark meaningful dialogue. PA Humanities invites the public to experience this unique work and reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality. By shining a light on the enduring promise of democracy, The Window Keeper aims to inspire action and hope.

“The Window Keeper” by Yolanda Wisher was commissioned by PA Humanities and ArtPhilly for America250PA’s 2024 National Convening of States and Partners. The animated version of the poem, created by Naeem Murdic was supported by PA Humanities and generous donors.