POETIC VOICE IN HONOR OF KING

April is National Poetry Month, and today, April 4, 2008 is the 40th anniversary of the assaination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here is my acknowledgement of King, in poetic form.
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THE TEARFUL EYES OF BERNICE
By Carla Y. Nix

The tearful eyes of Bernice
Made me cry and also grieve
As one little girl watched another little girl
Mourn before the whole wide world.

That picture remains in my mind today
I can't believe that 40 years have passed away.
I still feel the powerful grip of grief;
Still feeling sad for Bernice.

That poor little girl had to say goodbye
While on her mother's lap she lie
A woman of pure grace and strength
Coretta, without Martin, her precious King.

I think often of the great impact he made
I am so thankful for the trail he paved.
And I know that it was only God that gifted King so
In order for this world, and our people, to grow.

I can't imagine what our lives would have been
If it had not been for Dr. Martin Luther King.
Yet I wonder if my own people will ever appreciate;
I wonder why we are filled with so much hate.

Now grown, this little girl will never forget
The picture, she first saw in Jet
Of MLK's little girl – his progeny
Those tearful eyes of Bernice.
© January 2008