Reposting Of A Tribute To Selma Poem by Savita Tyagi

A Tribute To Selma

Today America commemorates
The historic 50th anniversary of Selma
A peaceful march for voting rights
Turned bloody with police brutality
An emotion of gratitude and respect
Arises in my heart for all those
Who rise with courage against injustice
Paving and guiding the way for fairness
Marching, struggling and uniting us all
In an innate, common bond for the
Triumph of shared human spirit
Whether it is Selma for voting rights
Jalianwalla Bag for national freedom
Or Sharpeville rising against apartheid laws
We owe our freedom and liberty
To those fearless souls who without
Any stick or gun, shield or sword
Stood with determination in their hearts
To bridge the gap between
Freedom and slavery by the
Sheer strength of their will and
Righteousness of their thoughts
The power of their soul embedded
In their character so brave and willing
To lay down their life to inspire others
To rise against injustice and cruel humiliation
Of fellow human beings all around the world
Face of evil hidden in each and every place
Crushed each and every time again and again
By their most humble yet courageous efforts
Each of us owe our respect and gratitude
To those who died so we could live
Who suffered so we could be relieved of suffering
Whose vision for us was to have
What they were deprived off
Who fought so we could taste the fruit
Of liberty so forbidden to them
Let those who sacrificed be never forgotten
Never be away from our thoughts
Let their vision of future inspire us all
Let light of freedom shine upon us all.

Note: This morning when we watched the news of Selma's 50th anniversary I and my husband talked how we came to this country just few years later. Over time we have created a bond here with history. At the same we remember the struggle of our own country happened not too far back. All my thoughts of gratitude came together inspiring me to write this tribute. 3.7.2015