Martin Luther King (1929 - 1968)

You faced injustice, hate and strife.

You fought for what should be.

You risked and finally gave your life,

So others could be free.

You could have hated, but you chose

To love and understand,

Rejecting violence to oppose

An evil in our land.

You'd not inflame, but still inspire,

With hope that wouldn't yield.

You called for boycotts, not to fire,

With faith your only shield.

You marched in protest for the poor

Of every shade and hue.

So many hardships you'd endure

For those who needed you.

You stirred a nation's heart and mind;

Your message still is clear:

That color's not how we're defined.

Your memory's always near.

Each year your birth's a holiday

The nation honors you,

And wonders when we'll see the day

Your dream at last comes true.

Author unknown.