the breeze whispers
in the wind
as the leaves slowly
fall to the grass
on the ground
and I watch as one
squirrel chases another
along the limbs and
trunk of this majestic tree
two people stroll leisurely
along the path
lost in conversation,
focused on whatever
the other is saying
birds chirping,
flying in their own
patterns before landing
on a branch
or on the edge
of a bench
and I silently wonder
how many visitors
to this place
are aware of its history
how many have
been told of the horrific
stain it has endured
as I sit on this ledge
gazing up at that
towering tree
I cannot but wonder,
was it you?
why are some of
your limbs cut?
were you the unwilling
vehicle for such
atrocity?
did you carry the weight
of his fear and agony?
I do not know
where the tree is
but that lack
of certainty
does nothing
to comfort me
because….
I know what happened here
my heart is heavy
and filled with
overwhelming sadness because
it cannot fathom
the hatred that
caused your last
breath to be taken here
and so as the tears
slowly caress my cheeks
softly landing on
my quivering lips
I allow the anger, the sorrow,
the internal rage
to quietly wash over me
knowing that the earth
beneath my feet
carries the soil
of a nation stained
with blood and injustice,
terror and oppression
again I look around me
and taking in the serenity,
the beauty of this day
the clear blue sky,
I wonder if you
can feel my presence,
though I know what truly matters
is that I capture yours
and I share my thoughts
I quietly talk with you
it’s so peaceful here
I tried to find you, but didn’t know
where to start
did you know I was looking for you?
today I came to bear witness
I am here to honor your memory
that you would know
you are remembered
for you to know that
you are not forgotten
noooo, Sir
and there’s something else
I need you to hear….
I am so very, very sorry
for what they did to you
I wanted you to know
that I feel your humanity,
your courage, and your dignity
and to tell you that
I came to pay my respects
to you, that beautiful young man
I did not know
but someone I have no doubt
was and is a decent human being
I’m almost done…
your essence remains
with this place,
and I will try to take comfort
knowing that you have
now become a part of me
thank you, young King
In Memoriam
Mr. Lewis Houston
24 November 1883
Capitol Park, Birmingham
