Dead Box

Inside a little negro shell,
Confined by mighty crooked chain,
Was suffrages and principle—
The color coal—enduring pain.

This tiny black integument
Withheld the strongest ever heart.
"I Have a Dream," a great intent,
But man destroyed this dark man's art.

The empty blackened casket lies
Forevermore. So trodden on,
Ne'er seeing its world-known devise,
Assassinated, he is gone.