PERSISTERS
By Toni Kief
No longer the spectator
Nodding on the side
Silently angered
Fueled by a drive
Battle for rights
Hand to your vest
Black marker prepared
Draw signs of protest
Sensible shoes and cozy hat
Confident of age old demand
Ready to walk, aching to run
We gather to make a stand
Demands expose personal grief
Sisters and Misters temper a rage
Messages of love and promise of peace
We each take the stage
Passion in the parking lot
Marching in the street
Freedom’s messengers
In a unified beat.