Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement

ON ORGANIZING

To sing so others hear
and join the song
requires a silence far inside
secured by suffering
and
at ease with solitude.

Perhaps the bugle call's
a whisper passed along,
a sigh swiftly shared.

Perhaps the song is sad.

II. (To Mendy)

to enter softly
speak silently
smile a freedom song

to live revolt
without the god of should

to transform pain
    to a caress
        untying
        uniting
        unspokenly saying
        "I, too."