Freddie Robinson Jr. Poet Elegy

King For a Day

This is what it feels like
to be king for a day

The coronation would be
bullet hailed 
as an assassination holiday
Giving a princely speech for 
unity and peace
Would bring out the hate

This is what it skin chills like
to be king for a numb nation day

The pall festivities 
	would unwaveringly have
a tear-stained flag lowered at half-mast

To honor fallen royalty of the past

Solemn faces would bravely force 
	a rosy picture smile
As the thorns of pious peddle lip service
			pierce their sullen hearts 
	with celebratory guile

This is what it feels like
to be king for a laude long day

Given the crown colony’s ignoble state of moral decay

What would this king’s renown namesake say,
as rotted hope
fills the catechism chokes on ceremonial display

And the assimilation marches and votive merry
look regal glorious,
in a faux triumphant way — 
As the court of bigotry still holds colorful sway

This is what it feels like
to be king for a dethroned ideal day


01-17-22

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Richard Lamoureux October 5, 2023 at 6:25 AM Thanks for adding to my education.

James Edward Lee Sr. February 14, 2022 at 3:41 AM Phenomenally done! Write on Love this verse brother Robinson

Eileen Manassian January 30, 2022 at 10:05 AM What an awesome tribute to a man who sought to bring unity and equality and paid for it with his life. This is a powerful write and I applaud you for it.

David Smith January 21, 2022 at 12:22 PM You cannot kill ideas, you can only attempt to change them. Even being king for one day spreads that idea. Writing this poem is a good thing and I hope will change some people's idea of what is the right and noble thing to do. Love of fellow man is what we need to keep in our heart if we want to move forward despite what we witness. May you rest easy, better times will come and your poem may help them come quicker. Best regards David in NZ

Bill Baker January 17, 2022 at 10:57 PM Filled with passion and truth, Freddie. But a day to remember a great mad with a dream and a willingness to follow his heart. Bless this King for day! Thanks for sharing, Bill

Valsa George January 17, 2022 at 8:50 PM You seem to be torn by the gruesome crimes taking place all around the world, especially on a day Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered ! Even a joyous occasion is fraught with nightmares of murder and bloodshed ! A very evocative write, Freddie !

Alexis Y. January 17, 2022 at 10:54 AM WoW! Freddie, You have penned such a deep and thought-provoking write on MLK day. It is much to ponder in this write my friend-Alexis

Joseph May January 17, 2022 at 9:36 AM To be king for a day seems like a melancholy day, Powerful write Freddie, Peace and love..