Ms. Claudette Colvin,

 

As a targeted, yet resilient, black teenager,

They didn’t take you seriously:

Your actions were done impulsively

Not a proper symbol of a savior

 

Your act on the bus was vehement 

Yet the police officers were not in agreement

You were entitled to your spot

So, you justly fought

 

You deserved more 

Than what your community had in store

                          

You suffered socially

When you were only trying to act righteously

You were forced out of college

Because you were the first to acknowledge

 

A civil injustice

 

You suffered economically

When you were only trying to act thoughtfully  

You were unable to maintain a payroll

Because you were the first to take control

 

Of a civil injustice

 

I have one question

Forgive me if I have the wrong impression

 

Your answer will guide me

As I try to be                                                                                                                                    

An effective leader in a social movement

For my community’s improvement

 

Your suffering has not gone unnoticed

I respect your actions and focus

I only wish to understand,

Was it worth taking a stand?