KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

(For John Lewis 1940-2020)

 

When Dr King led the March on Washington in 1963

You were the youngest leader to address the crowd

And you died the last remaining speaker,

Eighty years old with strength and individuality

Acquired slowly and painfully;

The still visible baton scars

From freedom bus rides

And other peaceful protests

Prove it.

 

When Obama became president

You said the struggle was not over,

This was only a down-payment,

There were still too many suffering,

How right you were,

How wise you were

Never to give up and never

To descend in desperation

Into the abyss of violence.

 

‘Keep your eyes on the prize’

I heard you say

‘Keep your eyes on the prize’.

 

David Subacchi

2020.