The Eckford Story

As I walked up to school I thought it was raining But no it was just her spit. I was looking for a friendly face smiling Which was something I’d never get. The “brilliant” plan wasn’t blossoming To any black man’s satisfaction. The National Guard stood there blocking Our attempts to steal a free education. I guess Brown was useless fighting The Board of Education for a right I ran away scared and crying Because 15 is too young for a war of this might. The crowd got bigger and started threatening To end my life over skin. A white reporter showed up reminding To think this way was not of all white men. To be alone was not what we were planning But I never got the plan change. The lack of a telephone kept them from calling To keep me in safety’s range. Down came the Eagles screaming Straight from the white house to ours. Eisenhower’s strength kept Faubus from treating Me like I belong behind bars. I would get the education I was deserving Much to the city’s chagrin. But the troubles are never ending When your skin is dark as sin.