It starts as a feeling
That something's not right
Then walks in your mind
While you're up late at night.
The problems are many,
The solvers too few,
So the work that needs doing
Starts pointing at you.
You ask, "Who am I
Who can bring about change?
I've my own things to do
And this world is so strange..."
Then you think of the faces
And hurdles you'll greet
As you work to solve problems--
All the hate you will meet.
And you just have to wonder
If it's worth all the pains,
When by closing your eyes
You won't see freedom's stains.
But you know you can't do it
There is no way at all
'Cause once you have seen them
You've heard Justice call.
The song starts out softly
And travels so slow...
But along come the others
And soon you will know
That many are willing
To work through the day
And lift up their voices
When FREEDOM's held sway
There can be no more silence
When hate comes to stand
In the midst of a people
Who share the same land.
Come together to heal!
And grow strong in what's true!
Join the voices of others
Who love justice, too.
Hate can't breed us out
And it can't hold us down
And it won't stop the voices
That rise from the ground
'Cause the land still remembers
All my brothers who bled
To fight for our freedom--
The struggle's not dead.
When you first have the feeling
That something's not right,
Don't just look away,
Take courage and fight!
'Cause the hangman keeps coming
To cloud what is true
If you don't fight for freedom,,
Who'll fight to save YOU?
Teach your children to love,
Help the poor not to drown
In the sea of oppression
That keeps people down.
Keep freedom alive
And continue the Call
'Til the day we say truly
"There is Justice for ALL."
--N.J. Bell
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The AWESOME story, The Hangman, by Maurice Ogden, inspired me as a child (see link below). In the Civil Rights era of the 70's, we were watching this film on reel-to reel-projectors, but the truth of it still stands. They say that freedom is renewed by the blood of patriots, but it also renews by the breath and deeds of free people. Don't give up the fight!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZSS3yxpnFU
About the Author: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-bell/30/231/855
Great poem I loved it! You're speaking the truth and straight from the heart! Always follow your passion and if writing is it....then go for it. You clearly have the gift and talent...the drive and motivation!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Your comments are much appreciated.
DeleteBeautiful, cousin! I hope there's more to come.
ReplyDelete