The Torch

Things of beauty come from ashes From the remnants of passion Of the fires blazed before our time From the burning coals of action Starting rough like flint on steel A call to Africa from Garvey Claims that talk of trust and friendship Would leave the people starving Through horrors painted in the past The song of peace has persevered As teachers, preachers, crowd beseechers Spoke above their burst of tears The lines of text we read today Can scarcely shine the fire's light Of every step on every march Of each inspired, tired night No man can be a bystander 'Til the fire in his soul is snuffed The pressure of oppression's palm Formed the diamond in the rough So let the torch light years and years And warm the hearts of those who weep Their watered eyes cannot extinguish The fire burning deep.