Encomium for a King

By a mule driven cart,
the spirit and soul of a people
was led through the streets.
a ring of sorrow surrounded.
a resurrection city became
a sunken city.
knee deep in mud,
the people fought.
with strength and sweat
the people forged on,
making themselves heard
throughout a nation
that didn't want to listen.
didn't it rain children,
as the way was made
across the bridge to bury
the dexter avenue pastor.
the rain stopped,
the children sang
mine eyes have seen the glory.
the moon shone bright
in the vast sable sky.
that was the end
of the beginning
of a march to freedom.
in worn shoes or on bare feet,
dirt poor or rich as a king,
the sound of a people
marching to the mountain top
is still heard on this very