Rosa — Dream, by Sylvester Lawrence Jackson II

images courtesy of Sound Transit

Radiant Beautiful Black woman, filled with quality and grace,

She had a style all her own,

She knew when to stay

Silent

And chose when to speak her mind.

One person chosen out of three to send

A message that was very loud

simply

by remaining seated

her actions showed how she stood proud

So many voices speaking against hatred,

civil unrest and violence,

yet history will show that

we marched together

in love

so that we could give peace a chance.

Another Rosa Parks there may never be,

Living during the 60’s wasn’t easy for her or me,

and yet and still

we may not be free,

but I can at least dream the dream

Of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Sylvester “Sonny” Jackson is a writer and retired Marine. As many of you know, Sonny is one of the most important members of our writing workshop for people returning from incarceration.