When Martin Luther King was shot
The Negroes, as they went by then—
More often disapproved than not—
Might question if they’d thrive and when.
Their men if, irritated, flinched
Still ran a risk of getting lynched.
We’ve closed the gap in many ways.
For African Americans,
Equality, despite delays,
If not in fact is in our plans:
Black kids in universities
Don’t need police to feel at ease.
If Martin were alive this year
I think he’d play a broader role
By getting sides to talk, not sneer,
And make the nation’s discourse whole
Judged not by color of the speech
But content of what wise ones preach.
—Martin Luther King Day
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