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Seraphim of Selma

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In tribute to Representative John Lewis, a Civil Rights icon who marched in Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and went on to serve seventeen terms in Congress. Lewis passed July 17, 2020, at age 80.

Three protest marches occurred in 1965 from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital in Montgomery. Nonviolent activists demonstrated the desire of African-Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote, in defiance of segregationist repression. The marches contributed to the passage that year of the Voting Rights Act.

Spirits of the living mingle with the dead Nightly, joining hands to march through Selma Dr. King, their leader, the first called home Returns to preach peace through understanding On streets where emotions refuse to rest Brother John’s soul, the last to depart Forever linked to this spectral caravan Listen and you’ll hear their songs and prayers Rising in unison from steamy streets Hopeful voices, Seraphim of Selma * Posted July 19, 2020, on the passing of Civil Rights icon Congressman John Lewis. N/A in Brian Strand's Completely New contest, judged 7/17/2020.

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John Watt

Date: 8/14/2020 8:07:00 PM

Amazing tribute to greatness, Carolyn. It's unimaginable what those civil rights protesters had to endure. Well done and a much deserved congrats for your win. Hugs ~ John

John Hamilton

Date: 8/14/2020 11:04:00 AM

Thanks Carolyn for this fine write, no doubt an amazing man with a wonderful heart, no N/A this time round, thanks for your entry!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/12/2020 1:43:00 PM

sorry this got an N/a with Brian. Maybe it will get a deserved win with another judge later down the road. What you said about out pets with us in heaven. There are only two I want to see: Callie and Ollyver! I have written poems about Ollyver and how I believe that he visited me on his way out of this earthly realm. I really really want to see him when I die

Paul Callus

Date: 8/2/2020 3:03:00 PM

A fitting tribute to a man who served his country well. Real men are recognised by their actions! Hugs // paul

Joanna Daniel

Date: 7/24/2020 10:25:00 PM

Wonderful tribute, Carolyn:)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/24/2020 4:05:00 PM

thanks for doing a tribute to this amazing man, Carolyn. I saw the Selma movie. It was so good.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/25/2020 5:38:00 PM

I sometimes cry a bit during sad movies, but I needed an entire box of tissues when I saw Selma. Indeed, an incredibly moving film!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/23/2020 6:40:00 PM

What a superbly fitting title, Carolyn, and a fitting tribute to a champion of civil rights. Best always, Gershon

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 7/23/2020 3:02:00 PM

This is such a beautiful and warm tribute to a special man who lived as he believed. He joined with many and was a voice for many. You have honored his spirit in this poem Carolyn. Lovely! Blessings xxoo

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 7/23/2020 7:57:00 AM

What a beautiful tribute Carolyn to a man whose contribution to history was and will be everlasting. Great write Carolyn. Blessings, Jennifer.

Silent One

Date: 7/19/2020 3:37:00 PM

I heard about him... Great tribute

Rico Leffanta

Date: 7/19/2020 2:23:00 PM

Nicely done! A real pity he could not stick around for the election! Aloha! Rico

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/19/2020 2:14:00 PM

- An excellent tribute to a wonderful man ... may his song and prayer be sung forever ... r.i.p. - Beautiful written, Carolyn :) - Take care, my friend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Jack Horne

Date: 7/19/2020 9:52:00 AM

A lovely tribute to a very special man

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/19/2020 1:29:00 PM

He is with the angels now, Jack. A great loss for our country. Hugs, carolyn

Arthur Vaso

Date: 7/19/2020 4:06:00 AM

So beautiful!!! Love this!

Lawrence Sharp

Date: 7/19/2020 2:56:00 AM

A fitting tribute to a very fine man. Brave, dignified and upright, and a true voice of social conscience. Nicely written, Carolyn.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/19/2020 1:14:00 PM

Thank you, Lawrence. On TV they've been showing images of Lewis and others being beaten by police during the Selma march. It was painful to see. I'm glad he got the recognition he deserved later in life. He will be missed in Congress.

Jan Allison

Date: 7/18/2020 4:03:00 PM

What a super tribute Carolyn:-) hugs Jan xx

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/19/2020 1:21:00 PM

Jan, I just read your entry for the "decaying house" contest and found it creative and uplifting!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/18/2020 2:59:00 PM

A lovely tribute you have written Carolyn, although I'm not familiar with him, I remember seeing that film Selma. Tom

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/19/2020 1:22:00 PM

Sometimes sad movies make me shed a tear or two. I cried (quietly) during much of "Selma." Now that Lewis has died, they are running the film again on TV. Don't know if I can bear to watch it again.

Frederic Parker

Date: 7/18/2020 2:41:00 PM

every once in awhile someone appears with the courage and dignity of this man to help guide those lost in their own world in my lifetime he was one of those men,may he rest in peace

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/19/2020 1:25:00 PM

Indeed, he was, Frederic. Such qualities are rare these days. Thanks for reading.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 7/18/2020 2:28:00 PM

Some people leave their mark for the extraordinary courage and sacrifices --this is an awesome tribute you wrote, Carolyn. Kudos my friend.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 7/19/2020 1:28:00 PM

Sometimes, it feels like places where emotions ran high are affected forever. Gettysburg is like that too. (Thus, the repeating marches each night.) I think it would be chilling to march along the path Lewis, MLK and others took to Montgomery. Thanks for your kind comment.