The Rights of Civility

So it's nearing the end of October, and I absolutely cannot believe it.
I was speaking to a very wise man recently, who also happens to be my Pastor and I asked him :
" Is it just me, or do the years go faster the older you get"
He responded : "Oh most definitely."

It's a funny thing, but I guess you're more aware of life and time as you get older, and it just seems to whizz-on-by . (forgive my colloquialism:)

Anyway, the poem writing business (wordsxpressed.com) has made me more than busy this week.
And I am grateful.

October is officially known as 'Black History Month'. And as a girl of colour , it's supposed to be a season of remembrance and gratitude.
I can't say I've been as focused on this as perhaps I ought to.
But its a difficult thing when you're raised in a world that is so far from the history you read in books about racial prejudice and discrimination.
I can't even IMAGINE the possibility of being treated differently because of my skin colour, yet
it was a reality for so many people from the past.
It's unfathomable. Really.

My mum has raised me to see everyone as the same, and I do just that.
I don't even think of colour unless pointed out- which it rarely (almost never) is.
I went to a school for 7 years where I was 1 of 2 African girls in the entire year. And it didn't bother me once. Honestly.
I should really appreciate that more. because 50 years ago, that would have been so different.
This week I was asked to write a poem for a child to read at  BHM Event.
It really made me think more than ever before how grateful to God I should be.
* the names written in brackets aren't necessarily parts of the poem, but explain the people being mentioned.

And so here it is :
THE RIGHTS OF CIVILITY .

He said he had a dream,

And now I can say it too (Martin Luther King)

She said she wouldn’t stand,

Now I don’t have to. (Rosa Parks)

He put his case forward, so I would never face a judge. (Thurgood Marshall)

They stood their ground and received an education,

Now I can exceed without a grudge. (The little nine rock)

He said he had a dream, and I am living it now.

They said it couldn’t be done, 

But justice wouldn’t allow.

Now I can be free, and live in perfect peace.

He went to prison for 27 years,

And then was released.  (Nelson Mandela)

So now we can achieve to the best of our ability, 

Because of the sacrifices made, the: ‘Rights of Civility.’

By Lakechia Jeanne - Dose of Poetry 

words-xpressed.com