Sunset-A Tribute To A Freedom Worker Poem by Marie WardAlonge

It is the end of November and my sorrow is great.
This poem is for a great lady I remember
But I have not honored yet.
Let these words give you comfort in time of need.
I have nothing to give.
Please allow this to serve as one of my great deeds.

As I take your through this journey,
There is a story to be told.
This is how it goes:

As I stood and I watched her go.
I thought what a silver fox of a lady with a heart of gold.
Her efforts will never grow old.
Early in the morning, she would rise.
In wake of wiping away the fear from our eyes.

With great convictions and strong at will,
When injustice was in place, she could never sit still.
A freedom worker was she-this great lady had things to do.
To fight for Civil Rights alongside Miss Fannie Lou.

A difficult plight it came to be.
To give a town named Ruleville hope and pride to succeed.
A dangerous situation, to fight for social and political change,
Her role many times reprised.
It was a high price to pay, some would advise.

When I met her, a confused child was I.
She found the time and patience to straighten me out
Before we said our last goodbye.

Her stare was intense.
Her delivery was firm.
She said what she meant and not always with charm.
Allow me to add and forget what you believed.
Around her, I was always at ease.

Her granddaughter, she sought to raise.
To have character, compassion, and grace but
Allow her intelligence to set the world ablazed.

Shortcomings, this great lady did have.
She was human, you see.
I would not dare speak of them
For her granddaughter befriended me.

She lent many a helping hand.
Some people wondered why?
However, what did they know?
They were outsiders looking in.
When coming to having compassion,
Some of us will never understand.

...And as nightfall creeps on that small Delta town,
Let the residents proclaim-no more crosses to bear.
Through God and grace, go claim your crown.
It is time for us to pick up that baton and carry on.
Because in 2006, it's been proven, the fight for justice has not been won.

But sleep now, our dear Miss Rennie.
Your dream has been met-Thank you.
Take your rest and enjoy your peaceful sunset.