The Challenge To Love Poem by Andrew Benton

Beneath the noble words of King
Which struck on such a chord,
Lies an inward, untold truth—
A need of hope implored.

Our noble brothers have received
Their rights at long past due,
Yet in the halls of sentiment
Their struggle springs anew.

Their race and ours are vital
For a placid life on Earth,
Yet through that titan Abhorrence
Our fellows lose their worth.

Where nine once stood against the tide
A million more now sway—
Each single soul as fragile
As a humble pot of clay.

Their strength is ours to ponder
As we walk this debased ball—
Their hope in spite of danger
Is our honor to recall.

Though cruel attacks of ruthless hate
Were carried out each day,
Beneath the flag of nonviolence
Our brothers chose to stay.

As days of crimes of untold spite
Turned rapidly to years,
We turned blind eyes to their anguish
And shoved away their tears.

We must now work to bridge the void
Between our kindred bold,
And transpose law from man to God:
From iron unto gold.

Let faithful beings be lifted high
Into the halls of grace,
Regardless of their earthly frames
Or of their carnal race.

Each of us now should emulate
Those deeds of Christ above,
Which bring at first gay hopes of life,
And finally, of love.