The Darkness in Life

“Mother dear, may I go downtown”

My little girl begged so she could march the streets of Birmingham,

She wanted to be in the Freedom March,

Wanted to be free in a country called Freedom

I told her “no baby, no, you may not go,”

Instead I sent her to sing in the church choir,

Thinking God will protect her

That the Devil was not strong enough to enter the light

So I bathed my little girl and sent her on her way

I smiled thinking of the light overtaking the darkness in our country

My smile became tears upon the explosion

Causing my life to become worthless

My little girl I had lost

Today the wind is blowing, weeping my tears away.

Telling me my little girl has found her freedom,

So baby girl, spread your wings

Like the beautiful angel you are,

And protect the little girls wanting the same freedom.

Look down with happiness knowing you have found your freedom

And wait for the light to carry us out of the darkness.