Poem For A King (by R.Slade)

Poem For A King



(Written on 15Jan01, in respectful honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)


Today is a holiday so many take for granted-

Although its meaning is more vast than the Atlantic.

It strives (everyday) to reach out and touch us-

But so many of us allow ignorance to clutch us.


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did have a dream-

And was senselessly assassinated because of its theme.

And if this poem's ever read by his wife-

I pray that she realizes- I appreciated his life.


Dr. King wanted us all as one to unite-

To love one another- to choose not to fight.

There is no BLACK or WHITE human race-

There's only THE HUMAN RACE- to think differently is a waste.


I'm in no way a racist- but I do have a vice-

I'm only kind towards those who are nice.

I realize now- this opposes his dream-

So, I'll be kind to everyone- whether they're nice or mean.


Am I going to allow anyone to walk over me?

You know the answer, if you know me, you see.

It's so unnecessary for the killing and hurting-

When all that is needed is positive asserting.


I'm not perfect at all- nobody's this way-

But we all could make positive differences everyday.

Free at last? That's only an opinion-

We have so much work that's yet to be done.


Nonviolence is a fantasy, that could become true-

It's up to me- and every single one of you.

And if you're talking the talk, then walk the same-

Let's spare the blame- better yet, SHARE the blame.


We can ALL overcome this horrible disgrace-

And recognize- we're THE HUMAN RACE.

MANKIND is not white, nor is it black-

MANKIND is just MANKIND (including WOMAN), that's a fact.


If I could tell Dr. King how I feel-

I would say, "Thank you for keeping it real."

And then on my knees, I would kneel-

And ask the reverend to pray for us- from head-to-heel.


Are you reading this? Or just moving your eyes?

Are you processing? Or just believing lies?

If mankind doesn't change the beat of our drum-

We may never be able to overcome.

by Reginald E. Slade Monday, 15Jan'01 (copyright 2001)