Past, Present, Future

In school we learn about events. We can recognize names, faces, dates, And perhaps even recall facts Or lean powerful stories. But we’re not taught What really happened. We don’t know the thoughts That flew through peoples’ minds; We don’t know the fear That flooded peoples’ hearts; We don’t know the courage of The bystanders. Just regular people, Like you and me and our friends— Somehow they got lost along the way. Their personal hardships got brushed Into the shadows of Peaceful and violent rebellions. And yet it was their unceasing Courage and determination That got the ball rolling. The great events would have been Nothing without their Constant support. Now, fifty years later, We are still not perfectly equal. Though we no long have Separation all over our cities, There are still cliques and groups— We still stick with people similar to us. I predict, and dearly hope, That my great-grandchildren will Not see the color of others’ skin. I wish with all my heart That they will see the Color of others’ souls.