Sidney Poitier---To Sir, With Love
Against the odds, among the brave, his class was not defined by race
Talent can never be confined by color, race, nor faith, or time
He climbed his way with dignity within a world of bigotry,
and found acclaim, while making waves, when racial boundaries
fanned the flames
He earned a place in history
He raised the bar, and paved the road. He played each part with brilliancy
He bore the load and carved a path, with courage and humility
In a racist world, he earned respect, where few before had found a way
He crawled inside each role he played, and gave them life, from deep within
He wore the skin of many men, with a courageous, calm insistence
One early role, that stirred the pot, was a plot pledged to his love's fair skin
Yes! Shocking some!!.....But soon he'd find, applause for wedging understanding
A cause that spiraled racial growth, and better yet, acceptance
Another role where deadlocked chains, with ankles bound, two fugitives
while on the run, we cheered them on........and viewers too, unlocked old ways
"To Sir, With Love" above, beyond, his art would teach us how to change
"Mister Tibbs!!"........he said it clear!!....."Don't call me BOY! Don't you dare!"
We believed in what we heard, courageous rage, that we could cheer!
He sang with nuns while we clapped hands.......they built a church in desert sand
He won awards for gentle grace, and won a place in history
He warmed the screen with soul and truth, and paved the way for striving youth
who want to be a legend too, be it black or white or green or blue
Bahamian bred, Defiant One, Ambassador, Freedom's reward
Against all odds, he logged his time, to change the tide of narrow minds
A winsome smile, with deeper lines, that swayed the Lillies of the Field...
He was a fugitive against a time, when racial tones were bound by chains
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Copyright © Carrie Richards | Year Posted 2013
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