Memory of August 28, 1963

Two little ones hand in hand running In the bright golden morning over Washington. Their counterparts dancing in the Pool of Reflection They were leaping and wheeling in the calm morning sun. His ebony fingers were curled 'Round her cream-colored hand. Two innocent rebels; Too young to understand. The children were breaking the rules, But they didn't know. Two little ones hand in hand standing In an ocean of humanity in Washington. The Great Emancipator watched in solemn silence As his work was revisited in the late morning sun. The children read stories of hard persecution On an old black man's face; For living in the wrong time, For being of the wrong race. But in his eyes flashed an undying hope That none could take away. Two little ones hand in hand listening To the voice of the ocean in Washington. The people presented their case to the powers In the midday heat of the afternoon sun. Prophets were speaking and singing of freedom; The oppressor cannot stand. The powers must know; The powers must understand. They knew they were breaking the rules, But they didn't care. Two little ones hand in hand watching As the last speaker spoke to the crowd. His voice had the power of the wind and the rivers His face was determined, unwav'ring and proud. Historian, observer and prophet, He began with what came before. He continued with the evil of the times And concluded with what was in store. He spoke an impassioned prediction Of freedom and equality throughout the land. The children held their hands ever tighter and smiled. They began to understand. The sea roared with an undying hope That none could take away. Fast-forward to a house on the Potomac On a bright golden morning in Washington. The man is descending the stairs in his nightgown; The rich scent of coffee in the light of the sun. His ebony fingers caressing His loving wife's cream-colored hand. A couple in love. A couple who understand. Three happy children rush into Their parents' embrace. The minister's dream come true. The union of the human race. Some think they are breaking the rules, But they do not care. For they have an undying hope That no man can take away. None shall ever take away.