The preacher stood there strong and still1
brilliant in a new day’s dawning2
singing with hope’s bright emergence,3
sweet songs into the morning air.4
He sang about a dream of dreams;5
how all men should live and be free,6
and the soul’s intended purpose.7
Strains of how true justice should stand,8
upon the strong and Solid Rock,9
brotherhood between all races.10
He sang the dream of God’s wish11
that all men should dwell as equals12
from dusty roads to hallowed halls...13
the proud brought low, meek lifted high.14
Too long has his voice been silent15
yet still his song loudly echoes.16
Most men have heard but not listened.17
Too many proud arrogant men18
bent on ending this Song of Dreams19
with hearts hardened and necks stiffened.20
So many minds fighting against21
the truths within this Preacher’s Hymn.22
Harboring vitriolic hate, 23
none can ever truly be free;24
within whitewashed walls of bias.25
No faction, race, or written law, 26
religious wording cannot bring27
true freedom until this land learns28
the meaning of these chosen words,29
created out of love for peace30
within our land and in our hearts.31
His Anthem of Hope is so near32
for all those who would dare to reach;33
to dare to love and to believe34
to dare to sing this song with him:35
"Free at last, free at last.36
Thank God Almighty,37
We are free at last."38
~r.39
All rights reserved, © Richard Braley (astralshepherd)40
Author notes
\Martin Luther King
The speech
www.usconstitution.net/dream.html
The King center
thekingcenter.com
Historical Site, National Park Service
www.nps.gov/malu/
The Nobel Peace Prize
www.nobel.se/peace/laureates/1964/\
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
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This poem really surprised me alot, the rythm in it was so intence that I almost stopped to check for rhymes (but there were none)
Your wording seems very well thought through, it sharpens the sense of something somlemn. Like you could have recited it for royalty or something. The words are powerful and well put. I especially liked the end stanza, before "free at last", and these words were very niecly put into the poem. -
As a person who has been brought up in the church I appreciate this work. Not only is it well written but the authors feelings and emotions are dipicted as if I were sitting right down next to the pulpit. Preach Preacha! Kudos on your talent and ability to strike people in the way that you do.
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There are some people in this world that have a gift for expresion and you are one of them
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its so cool that you wrote a poem about dr. martin luther king. he was the bravest man in the country and the most sincere one for believing that all men are created equal. i am a caucasion girl with racist grandparents and it tears me up when they make fun of people like dr. martin luther king, anyone who has a different skin color than them. i believe that whether your blue green orange yellow or purple your the same. you have the same blood and same heart. good job!
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excellent
a very nice tribute to a great man and preacher indeed, but it is also up to the races he was preaching to, to embrace his ideas, white and black, to find forgiveness -
Complex and moving.
none can ever truly be free;
within whitewashed walls of bias.
These lines stuck with me, how I would like to have shared these words with those I have known within those walls.
The first two lines took me to his side, and conveyed the moment. -
Its great how you related this peom to Martin Luther King. he was a great guy! It was good that you could honor him this way. I'm sure that he is really proud of you!
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just beautiful. the man would be very honoured to read it if he were alive today
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An excellent tribute to a most amazing man who existed. His spirit continues to live among freedom and his words. You've conveyed his message well with this poem. Good job. Keep on writing and here's some more applause!
~CT -
great work!
great work! truly amzing! I loved it as did others... there should definately be more poems like this... I tried writing one in the form of a slam poem once... it really focused on the media and trends of teens and what not... yeah this poem was great! keep up the good work! -
stunned mullet.
i just applauded it, it's a good poem, but i'm only applauding it because of the amount of applauds it already has!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But seriously it is good.
the amount of applauds!
i've turned into a stunned mullet!
:0
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nice
awesome poem man...check out mine.. on "love blair" -
Moving
the spirit of freedom still lives in the hearts of God's servants. Many thanks -
awesome
yes,yes,YES!!!
great -
this is so heartwarming and it is a preacher's song.a song that is song still today.you have captured the essnce of this great man.
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this is a very unique poem, and I can see by others that it is loved.
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I think on the spirtitual plane freedom has a totally different meaning. This country offers freedoms for sure, but has been, at least from an historical point of view, extremely selective about who gets them.
The ideals of democracy change with inner virtue. It took a hundred years after the institution of slavery was abolished to wipe Jim Crow laws off the books. The Supreme Court contributed as much to this stain on democracy as any other institution.
Then there are those who hate out of sheer arrogance and pride. I believe those are people who can never be free by law, or spiritual inner light. Probably won't find many of those on AP. I'll celebrate that. -
Whoa, you got a standing ovation and everything for this one. Its really amazing... I'm not religious so it was unusual for me to read something like this, but I liked it.
LoneStar -
awesome...simply mesmerizing...your words had so much depth & meaning...thanks for creating this piece so we could all enjoy it!
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exallant
an out standing tribute to the man himself....im speachless (and that doesnt happen often!) -
really great poem be proud
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tea and cake or death
my dear friend this has got to be one of the best poems i have ever read in my entire life. it is truly great to see someone write about some else rather than their life (i'm ashamed of my self when i read this poem)
question has this been published in any way if not it should be it truly amamzing read.
sincerly yours
pz -
that was truely emotain you showed then thank you
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great poem,
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Ah yes, you explained how we, man, should live rightly. Yet maybe people would change after they read your motivatonal poem. Keep up the good work
Edited on Jan 19, 7:08 because ''. -
That's an awesome poem! Wow. The way you placed the words in their delicately formed sentences is wonderful. I can only hope to have the skill you have someday in my life. That is a beautiful poem and I just love it! Great job, as many have already said before me.
-Em -
Spectacular Work!
This poems sings with melodious granduer the feelings and heart of so many who have suffered and died for the cause of freedom.
The late Martin Luther King,Jr. was a godsen from above. I thank our creator for all the peace loving men and women who gave their lives that we may have a better world to live in. I believe during this solemn time of reflection we should ponder our own lives and search our hearts and see where we've come up short. Then take action and try spreading more love everywhere we go. By the way,"love is an action word!" I commend you on a spectacular piece of work. God bless you! -
Wow... that is the word that really describes your poem Thanks for Shareing!
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What a wonderful tribute to Martin Luther King. I see I am not the only one who thinks so. I apologize for taking so long to get by here to read this. Been one of those weeks
This is outstanding Richard and deserves all the applause it is getting!! Great job!! 
~Lyrical
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This is a very very nice piece. I am impressed with all the applauding, so you should be very proud of this piece. Its such a wonderful portrayl of the late dr. king. Awesome job!! I think u have a good chance in contest.
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Outstanding.
A profound and wonderfully worded poem you have written well worthy of the multitude applauses and nice comments you have received.Good luck. -
the greatness!!!!!
This is great. MLK jr. really was a great motivational speaker, i'm glad you wrote this, because maybe people can walk out and be alittle more gratefull for the friends that they have! n_n
great job mate!
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Wow, this is amazing. You have written
a simply terrific piece, one to which
I am sure you are proud. Wondering if
this made it to your local newspaper today
on King Day. If not, it should have.
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I love it, I love it, I love it! This is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Keep it up, buddy! I cant say nothing else but, Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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So many haev commented on this, it seems almost pointless to add my own to the sea of comments, but this is simply terrific. You are amazing. This poem has touched a lot of people, including me. I am glad to see this poem, and see how much positive feedback you have gotten on it. Thank you for writing it. It is so nice to see that so many are behind MLK's ideas, and will fight to keep it moving forward. Thank you.
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Excellent
Nothing I can say would be able to explain my agreement.
This deserves more than a comment.. applauds -
Job well done
This is an awesome poem here. I really liked how you chose your words, this kept my attention all the way through to the very end. Good job. Thank you so much for sharing this write with my family and I. Hope to read more of your fine writes. Just awesome -
You’re a very inspirational writer. Your technique speaks for it self but I also enjoy reading its content. You are defiantly a very interesting writer. I hope that you continue to use your poetry to inspire and entertain others. Many people just write because they think it is fun and so it is but you are not just writing for fun but from your heart. If you keep this up you’ll not only win hearts on this sight but I have the feeling you’ll capture the heart of the world as well Keep up the good work sheaperd you are doing great things.
Best of luck Donnia
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To end it with the quote was absolutely the most perfect way with this poem. It was strong, exemplified the message this man worked his entire life to get out ot the public. A wonderful tribute. My second Martin Luther King poem to comment on today
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very good
This is a good poem and this aready been applauded many times you should be proud. -
I love you too Joan and may God continue to bless both you Richard and LordofTheRings as well as all our AP friends around the globe. Avril
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It's a two way street. Distrust and anger festers on both sides (all sides) of this issue. There are too many within both the black and white community who are racist, prejudiced and harboring hurts real and slights real or imagined. Ever since King opened his heart o all men of all colours I as a white man have also prayed for the truth of his words to fill all our hearts. King is not only a rallying point for blacks, but also for whites. His message for all people and should be held cherished by all. I hope and pray that this dream comes soon for not only us, but for out children. In my life great strides have been made as I sat, a child, and watched his blood spill at the hands of an assassin. Today his blood still runs on all our hands. And to my black brothers and sisters I hold out my bloodied white hand to grasp your bloody hands and grasp them so his unity my heal us all, and wash this crime from all out hearts. Let us forge on to a stronger future, of harmony and peace. This poem is a rock on that journey a foundation stone.
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Yes Thank God It's gone, Gregg lordoftherings alerted me and we both got onto it..Richard was very upset. Thank you Avril for responding, I've always loved M L K and I love you~Joan
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Dearest Joan,
I've been out for the weekend and just signed in this morning to read your message. It looks like the comment this individual made has been deleted. I don't see his name on any of the comments. I want to thank you so much for speaking up on behalf of Richard. Sometimes it take just one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch. Thank God that "bad apple" has been plucked off the branch and thrown in the trash where it belongs. Thanks for alerting me and it's really wonderful to know that you're behind M.L.K. and all who standup for him.
All my love,
Avril
Edited on Jan 17, 9:00 because ''. -
I like this. If only he were around to further his causes and relay messages this modern society really needs. I think, well know he is happy tho that so many people treasure his morals and try their best to perpetuate his memory and his intentions on socialness and equality. Awesome write!
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Thank God Almighty
THIS IS THE POEM I'VE BEEN WANTING TO READ ALL NIGHT! YOU MADE ME SMILE, MOVED ME, & MADE ME WANT TO SING SUCH A SONG WITH HIM! This is beautiful...there's nothing to criticize...just...good job. -
Thank you .. Great
This is a great poem ... in the begining i didn't konw who it was about, then it hit me and made it even more powerful. If timing is everything that you certianly picked a great day to remind us all of the great work that Dr. Martin Luther King completed in his life. Even in his passing he brings change to lives each time we remember his words and what he stood for so we may teach our children that one person can make a difference. His life will never have been spent in vain as we remember his words ... I loved it. -
glowing
i especially loved the ending..a glowing tribute. this is a beautifully written poem--i loved it. it deserves the praise it has recieved. simply lovely. -
Thank God for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a great man. Good write! It's nice to see something like this around the day that is dedicated to him! Keep up the good work and have a great day! Love and peace!
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penetrating
outstanding piece, i enjoyed every bit of it and it's something we should strive for no matter what odds are against us that's certainly not the point, keep letting the ink flow -
pretty...very kind and simple.
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"Free at last, free at last.
Thank God Almighty,
We are free at last."
Truly this was an amazing piece and I loved the flow and wordchoice and the fact that it was truly powerful. Your poem may have left encouragement in someone's heart...or maybe changed someone's point of view, and maybe it was mine's. God bless you for this piece---Ann
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Amen brother, and I will quote to you a passage that I heard last evening in a prayer group that gleemed in glory after receiving this "1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has see, no ear has heard no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" but God gas revealed it to us by his Spirit. The pirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Sirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. Not taught to us humans by words of human but by words of the Sirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The amn without the Spirit does not accept the things that comes from the Sprit of God, for they are foolish and cannot understand.
When we lay down the denominational division and walk together hand in hand in one unison love for one another and give God the glory and grace back he has given to us so freely, then we can truly say we are free and are brother and sister through out our congregation.
And I believe I will see this in my generation or so I pray.
Then, our hearts will be lighter, we will be wiser and so many diseases will be no more.
~~~~ my thoughts~~~~
I should probably be a pastors wife someday, LOL
Tamara
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however if it did come true - wouldnt we be living in heaven? althoguht the idea of us trying to strive for that is nice - idk i guess im just way to skeptical - it is beautiful and alitte sad at the same
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Can't get any better than this!
This poem expresses so much it is beyond words. Great writing...Will be sure to check out more.
Some dreams have faded..the key is to never let them die...
Dust... -
this was good
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Very nice! I liked it a lot! Great job! Um i dont know what to say! It was all so good! Well yeah um we are free at last! Everyone should be treated equal...so thank god...we are free at last!
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I love America.
I had always seen this posted but never felt like reading it...the title kinda threw me off but the poem! Oh my! I could read this until I die. It's a masterpiece that should grace the walls of every home on every level! Your name belongs among the great like Poe, Dickinson, and Browning! Well done! Well done, indeed. Keep up the great work.
This piece will be ringing in my ears until I exhale my last breath. Amazing...I'm still stunned and I think I've blabbered long enough. You probably already know how great a work this is....wow...
You have renewed my hope in America and for that...you deserve the stars. -
Beautiful imagery. Really eloquent and it only helps the message come through.
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Dozens of Roses for the dream.
As one who lived during those trying times myself, this is an awestriking dedication to Martin Luther King, Jr. Amen, my friend. One day maybe...if you and I live long enough, do you think we will see the world achieve his greatest dream? Rose
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very, nice, I didn't love the format, ended very effectivly, on the run, thanks for the read.
Ladie -
what a fantastic line, "harboring vitriolic hate, none can ever truly be free; within whitewashed walls of bias." A very profound subject with a poem to match. Great job! Keep it up. We all need to be reminded of what power hate has, and how much real damage it can do. Bias is born anew in the younger generation because they don't know the lessons of the past, and they are already very opinionated.
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Wish I had the words to be able to say something different .I found your poem to be well written and cover Kings message and life excellently Well done Beautiful write
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i really like this piece. even if some dont. its very open and i connected with it very well keep up the great work!
Kate
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great
Very appropriate piece, i like it, you don't know what it is about right away good poem -
nice job
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Wow. I'm not sure how to comment on this. Most men have heard but not listened.. that is so true. Well I guess the whole poem was true. This was absolutely beautiful thank you for sharing. I wasn't sure what to expect at first and I wasn't sure if I should click or not. I'm glad that I did. You did a wonderful job on this. I can't even imagine how much work you had to put into this. Wonderful job keep up your excellent work.
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I like this a lot. MLK was a strong man, of strong opinion, and for those who thought at the time or think now that one man, (or one "N" as some might be thinking) is not important, or can do nothing, think about this. The man was not assassinated for no reason. He was taken from this life because his words showed a power and a promise, and a new future that was attainable with effort. He did not intend merely to lead but to inspire. One thing we all need to remember: There are bad people of every race. We should not be looking at another and seeing color. We should be looking and seeing a person, whether we feel that person is good or not should be determined by actions, not by hearing someone's opinion or assuming something about them.
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Excellent
MLK was a great man in his day....he stood for all that was right as he saw it. I have to applaude this poet as I could feel the convictions of your beliefs in this write...powerful convictions and compassion for the worlds problems. Thank you for sharing this. It was beautiful
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wonderful
'whitewashed walls of bias'....she has seen this done but didn't have the grasp of words to explain it...was a wonderful work... -
Very nicely written. The final verse in quotations is also very thought provoking!!! Thank you for making me think!!!
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very deep and powering I love this piece great write from Raneika
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I'm sort of leaning towards Moody Blues in that it just wasn't my sort of piece. Mainly because i'm just not into politics. Its not that MLK wasn't a visionary because i'm sure everyone in america will agree that he was, but I just don't see the use in writing a poem about him, however you do. In regards to technicalities, the structure was impeccable, and the word choice strong in emotion. Your point was clearly conveyed. In that I salute you.
Always,
~*XChelseaX*~ -
Good
Galatians 5:6 sort of touches on brotherhood
"all that counts in Christ is faith working through love"
And yet ceremony and particulars in churches can become more important than the message just like winning sporting games can become more important than sportsmanship. My God is better than your god is similar in maturity (or lack of) as my team is better than yours. Prejudice abounds from bleachers to teachers. Myself, I won't feel free until every race of men doesn't feel oblidged to refer to women with curse words of s, b, w as I doubt has WWJD seal of approval. When the words to berate women are frowned upon as much as the N word...then I will feel FREE. Then, I'll be at peace.
For only then will I be able to say:
"Free at last, free at last.
Thank God Almighty,
We are free at last."
to my sisters of every race.
Edited on Jan 16, 12:11 because ''. -
Not my cup of tea to be honest, but I don't want to waste your points. In reference to MLK< I think everyone can agree he had the right idea. Hate to ramble, but I don't really know what to say about this, so I'm trying not to waste your points.
Luke
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incredible
i can only say to you, that this is by far the best piece i have read on this site. i bow at your feet. congrats. -
Lovely write. I like it a lot. Definitely one of the better writes I have read in some time. Nice job. Keep up the good work. Sorry I cannot say more expect, WOW. Love always,
Kristen -
Goes beyond like, truth
Why is kindness so hard? The thought in this write constitutes some powerful observations that have been spoken in a loud voice before--the cry in the wilderness. The world often seems a Godless place, or a place of many gods. It seeks out love, but has no heart to hold it. What is left, if no faith in a greater power to give us one? Will we always be too blind to take it. "the whitewashed walls of bias," Built on mortal error, its walls can only crumble. So why do we not build on The Rock? -
I know that I made a comment before, but I had to come back and see this again. xoxo, candi
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Thank you for the wonderful comment Gregg. There are many wonderful comments that have been left on this poem by many skilled poets. But to have your comment here is better than getting a trophy or a thousand accolades. ~richard
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I found this poem very very good! You truely have a gift from God keep on writing I can not wait to read more of your work. this part it just draws me in and I could not stop reading " The preacher stood there strong and still
brilliant in a new day’s dawning
singing with hope’s bright emergence,
sweet songs into the morning air.
He sang about a dream of dreams;
how all men should live and be free,
and the soul’s intended purpose."
very good job
GOD BLESS
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good
wow, this was powerful and moving, the imagry was great -
wicked
WOW!! very moving... so true and so deep... this was an awsome write keep up the good work!!
~Amber -
By the way I used to have deep passion like this, and the context for it(I was a graduate student). Now it has all disipitated
You really touched that part of me, and made me miss it and wish I somehow had a context to bring it all out of me again.
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I knew I read this before, and already commented. This was just as powerful as the first time I read it. You really have so much talent and passion in your words. I might even have said this before, but I wonder what you do in the world at large, in your community..because with ethics like you describe and the ability to articulate them so clearly you could really make a difference. You did write this right? If so you did a great job in catching the Martin Luther King spirit.
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thank you for writing this. It means alot to us all
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This was a really great poem!!! You did an awesome job writing it...it all flows together nicely...I enjoyed reading this!!!
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fine job
I hope I am reading this right, it's about Dr. King here. if so it's a very good write here. I really liked the choice of words here. I hope to read more of your writing. Good job, thanx for sharing this with us all. -
Great poem
Beautiful and beautifully written poem. Ah, Dr. King now this is an appealing stand and at such a critical time as now where so many eyes have been turned away from the purposes of the peace we need so much. Please critic a poem. -
im really sorry for commenting again but i really love this piece it brings such joy to my heart when i read it and im glad you have a such descriptive imagination the scenes of this poem are just so vivid and i can play them in my head with ease again thank you for writing such a good piece i love it
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Montreal Standing Ovation
I am a Dr. King fan and of his ideology for mankind. Richard, you have captured the beauty of this man's philosphy and mandate for mankind in such a small space. The poem is tight and the intertextuality of his life and works are superb. A biographical poem in all its esquisitness. Gregg -
this is a very powerful poem! i enjoyed it alot! i think you have lots of talent and this is a great time for that poem to! good job i like it!
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this was a very good poem. great timing too. my favorite line was "Too long has his voice been silent
yet still his song loudly echoes." i don't know why but it's my favorite. i really liked it. well done -
Very moving, a good reminder of Dr. King and all that he stood, spoke, and lived for. Well done.
-Chari :-) -
Excellent Poem!
You are certainly right, this poem would have been most suitable for my contest. I have never seen this many applause on any one poem. Dr. King would have been proud to hear you recite this poem for him and about him. I admire this man for the person he was, for the impact he has left upon our society as a whole and for his struggle in trying to unite us all regardless of who we are or the color of our skins but merely by the content of our character. His "I Have A Dream" speech to this day sends shivers down my spine. I must stop whatever I'm doing to listen and focus on his message. This is a wonderful poem that you've written Richard. May God continue to bless you for the kind and caring soul that you are.
All my best to you,
Avril
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awesome
"He sang about a dream of dreams;
how all men should live and be free,
and the soul’s intended purpose."
I love that.. I don't really celebrate holidays.. I thought this was really good, it was amazing. I love the last quote, you posted by King. Great job..
Natasha -
This is a profound work, very nicely done. I like the Christian perspective. It all flows together in one beautiful masterpiece. I especially liked the lines:
No faction, race, or written law,
religious wording cannot bring
true freedom until this land learns
the meaning of these chosen words,
created out of love for peace
I am a big fan of Dr. King, and this gives him justice. Nice! -
this is an excellent poem of the great Dr. King, i've been doing a lot of research on him for my job's newsletter and i don't believe i've come across such an amazing tribute as this... keep on writing... and never let your light burn out! ~pen
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This is so good. I can't even find the words to say about it. It touches and enlightens us all about the world around us. Great job and keep up the great writing
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