Its concerning in the most.' That i saw no mainstream media post ' on forty people who were they ? Caused the
Complete confusion a Birmingam city health institution.' How
Low can things go.? Perhaps Quyeer Karma is the one who
Knows.? Former head policeman lawyer now politican.'
A leader.? Do give over.!! If paper bags get any thinner
Maybe he could punch out as a winner? Yet he's only big
On the straws see.' He's a'drowning in ideaology.' While
The land slides toward insanity.'
I recall the nitty-gritty
Of days gone by in the city
Tho' I'm not asking for pity
I love Birmingham, my city.
On the doorstep the jobs were there
Work was easy found everywhere
Tho' never a penny to spare
There in Birmingham, I declare.
Noise from factory symphony
Smoke billowing out from chimney
Worst of all was outside privy
That was Birmingham, our ditty.
We walked to school in heavy smog
Didn’t bother us, nor the fog
Or those walking to their jobs
Good old Birmingham, so it was.
Excitement when Fair came to town
Three times a year on some spare ground
Straight after school off we were bound
Fun in Birmingham, always found.
There was a lady we called Miss
Made toffee apples for us kids
Will never forget her for this
Heart of Birmingham, it was bliss.
We would hear the church bells ringing
Passing steam trains loudly hissing
Aston Villa fans when cheering
Joy of Birmingham’s true meaning.
Though we've many had claim to fame
Times have changed nothing is the same
Yet still there flows the River Tame
Thumbs up Birmingham, keep aflame.
18th September 2021
shepherds of the Lord demand unity
a voice through the written word came to say
tied to a lone garment of destiny
an eloquent plea for equality
scraps of paper led us to change and prayer
shepherds of the Lord demand unity
from a mountaintop we could see clearly
and what we saw brought us here today
tied to a lone garment of destiny
a clergy of scorn spurred our majesty
freedom penned within a Birmingham jail
shepherds of the Lord demand unity
through clubs, through canines, through fire hoses, we
stood audacious and forever became
tied to a lone garment of destiny
hatred set our minds and millions more free
as our children now enter the foray
shepherds of the Lord demand unity
tied to a lone garment of destiny
In Birmingham Jail
Dr. King Ponders and writes
Nine thousand word letter.
*Written for Abe Lopez's contest "From a Birmingham Jail"
physically caged,
thinking thoughts of a true King -
in mind and soul - free
If this be my last
nonviolent “Sit In” chance,
well then, “so be it!”
For “From a Birmingham Jail” contest
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