Poem: "Sole Train"
This poem came out of the February 2, 2010 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by jenny_evergreen, janetmiles, and a photo prompt from moosl.
I was also influenced by the traditions of soul, jazz, and blues music; and African-American history. The historic figures mentioned in the following poem are:Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born Michael Luther King, Jr. (see also "I Have a Dream" speech)
Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little
Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, also called Moses
Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree (see also "Ain't I a Woman?" speech)
February is also Black History Month. My love of history is something that I bring with me when I look at your prompts. You might enjoy these resources:
InfoPlease -- Black History Month
History Channel -- Black History
TeacherVision -- Black History Month Teacher Resources
Sole Train
This ole worry got me down,
wore me out my whole life --
what if we got just one chance
to get it right?
What if history's a straight track
with mile after mile 'twixt its switches,
sole train clackety-clackin'
on its way?
This ole worry been at me all this time,
like a hound dog with one knucklebone --
what if there ain't nobody comin'
after me?
Then I hear that whistle blow,
and I lift my ole head to look --
a train chuffs to a stop
just for me.
Martin and Malcom hand me up the steps
and Moses leans on the whistle again
while Sojourner lets the baby souls
off the back end.
History's a roundhouse and its tracks
stretch out far as a soul can see --
God says don't worry, He sent plenty
of conductors.