RIP, Mother Rosa Parks


Our Great Mother sat
so we could stand
She knew we were tired
tired of being sick and tired
she sat. still. quiet. at peace
with herself
for the many thousands gone
thousands and millions
full of fear and trembling
afraid to demand a seat on the bus to freedom
so she sat that day in '55
half century ago. seems like a million years.

Mother gave birth to generation revolution
even a little King followed Mother's dress tail
to freedom. self-determination. a nation.
Remember Mother Rosa
in your joy times remember
in your moments of weakness fear remember
when you cross the river freedom remember
how she sat on the bus in the dirty south
so you could stand. fly into a better world.

--Marvin X
10-25-05