Poem for Martin Luther King

[Jamieson McKenzie <mckenzie@FROMNOWON.ORG>]

As we approach a day honoring the memory and contributions
of Martin Luther King, I share the following poem in the
hopes that it will help remind our students of his impact
upon our lives.

        Standing Tall - In honor of Martin Luther King

Some kings rule their kingdoms sitting down
Surrounded by luxury, soft cushions and fans
But this King stood strong
stood proud
stood tall

When the driver told Rosa "Move to the back of the bus!"
When the waiter told students "We don't serve your kind!"
When the Mayor told voters "Your vote don't count!"
And when the sheriff told marchers "Get off our streets!"
using fire hoses, police dogs and cattle prods
to move them along

This King stood strong
stood proud
stood tall

Speaking of peace
of love
and children
hand in hand
free at last
free at last

When some yelled for violence
For angry revenge
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
He stood his ground
Preaching peace

And when some spit out hate
He stood there smiling
Spreading love
Until it rolled like the sea across the land
Sweeping away Jim Crow
Breaking down the walls
Ringing the bell
Joyfully
For Freedom

Until
Standing on the mountain top
They shot him
Coldly
Hoping to see him fall
Hoping to put him away
To bring him low

But this King
even in death
even today
stands strong
stands proud
stands tall
And we remember

        Copyright, 1980 Jamie McKenzie, all rights reserved.
        Schools, teachers and students may make printed copies
        for educational purposes within their schools.  All
        other duplication, publication or distribution by paper
        or electronic means is prohibited unless permission is
        expressly granted by the author.

Web version of the poem . . .
http://fromnowon.org/poetry/standing.html

Other poetry by Jamie McKenzie
http://fromnowon.org/poetry/index.html

Educational Technology Journal
http://fromnowon.org

Jamie McKenzie
Editor - "From Now On - The Educational Technology Journal"

mckenzie@fromnowon.org            http://fromnowon.org

901 Twelfth Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 647-8759
"The question is the answer."  "Hits are not Truth."

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