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April Is National Poetry Month! 

CHANGING THE AMERICAN STAGE

ELNORA FONDREN 

FORMER FREEDOM SCHOOL STUDENT

Attribution: CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ARCHIVE

America is a stage life land,

All people have parts to learn in hand.

If I were to walk down the street and say,

"I want my freedom this very day,"

I'd raise my fingers and lift my face,

But my people would look at me in disgrace.

"Why should I try to be free?

I already have my liberty."

The people are walking as statues do;

I have no right to look at you.

My face is different, my face is black,

But why should you want to hold me back?

We are a nation, and it is said,

"A Nation when parted is a stage that's dead."

I was once a patriot true.

Now you try to take me with you:

Not to be brothers and to let me be free,

But only to take care of thee.

I still have to play my part;

I am still a slave in my heart.

To look at our flag, and say to thee,

''I am here, but am I free?"

The Nation of America is never to be

Until we have our liberty.

If Khrushchev walked to my hometown,

I'd try my best to show him around,

Even though he is a man in wrong,

I still would try to help him along.

A man is a man, and life is life;

I am a man, and he is in life.

The trail of freedom is all around,

I wish it would come through this sorrowed town.

In this nation, I want you to know,

I am a citizen, and I want to be treated so.

This nation has got to get together

And leave it to God to decide who is better.

I am here to testify,

I want my freedom, and that ain't no lie.

So Mr. Charlie, you are the best,

But I am as equal as you and the rest.

I am telling you the earnest truth,

We are people just like you.

So get ready for the fright of your life.

These people are going to get their freedom in height.

Try to be ready, try to be strong,

But you won't hold the black man down for long.

Read more about Civil Rights History and Poems @ CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ARCHIVE