The Baton of Hope

To Honor Martin Luther King Jr. I composed this poem for the community of students, siblings, parents and leaders that participated in celebrating King's message. It was not only a nod to him, but a nod to the spirit of peaceful resistance. Resistance poetry has a long history and at my school our Diversity Club sponsored a Poetry Slam in this spirit. The contestants all shared their poems and after I ask their permission, I will post their poems here as well. But until then, here's mine:

The Baton of Hope
By Deb Gianola
10 January2008

As we look to the hope of another New Year
we cast away fear
draw our loved ones near
perhaps shed a tear
as we join in the cheer

We prepare for deeds of hope by looking at our past
holding progress fast
effecting change that lasts
challenging old casts
with our potential vast

There’s a baton of hope we pass to you that leaves behind subjugation
forced humiliation
violent degradation
silent desperation
to replace with education

We honor King by letting you know this baton is intergenerational
its principle foundational
the golden rule’s transformational
like Rachel’s challenge, motivational
and we see you—as inspirational

Our baton is made of human voices and eyes so deep with need
and hands that do believe they can succeed
resisting greed and crimes that bleed
to form a creed
and truly lead

“America the beautiful, God sheds His Grace on thee
“and crown thy good with brotherhood
“from sea to shining sea.”

Can we be
King’s dream and free
those changes made for equality?

The answer lies in we not me.