I Remember the Dream

It was one man’s voice
that shared the dream
One man’s voice
that spoke all our hearts
One man’s voice that echoed the song
I have a Dream is never surreal.

He never incited violence
amidst the attacks
of his oppressors
who made attempts to block;
yet the truth he spoke
and a dream incited
for joining our hearts
as a people, he reminded.

Yet, continued attempts  to destroy
the words he shared and lived,
I remember the dream
as if it was yesterday,
as the song of his voice would play.

Today, while some are still afraid,
to acknowledge the sins
that seek to erase;
we will never be discouraged
for the dream is still alive.
Yes, deep within our veins
is the spirit of forgiveness,
from 400 years of utter shame
we rise above and keep singing  without blame.

The songs of fortitude keeps us strong
the attitude of gratitude
reminds us of God’s love;
I remember the Dream
I live the Dream
For one man did not just live
but he dreamed, and that dream lives on.

O. Stephen Peart. 2020 © All rights reserved.

About this Poem
When I was a child, I listened to the speeches of Dr. King through the sounds of my dad’s reel to reel tape recorder. Every Saturday, around noon, he would pull out one of the speeches. The melodious voice of Dr. King filled every room of our house.

I never got a chance to meet this man that inspired so many, and continue to do so, to this day. I never understood what it all meant when I was only 6. There however was something in every word he said, that inspired me to recognize that the truth of his words are not dead. His words are timeless and what he stood for, keeps reminding us. I Remember the Dream, as if it was yesterday and while we still have ways to go, I am encouraged by the dream that we will one day.