Aftermath

by: S. FitzGerald

   From the beginning of time, that's how it has been. Being a black man, was your  terrible sin.

   You broke no real laws, you stole not a dime. Being born with dark skin, was your    arbitrary crime.

   Rest well dear Arthur; thou shalt be avenged! Maybe not by law, the Lord claims thy    revenge!

   Arthur McDuffie is dead, while his killers go free. It's the American way! "What    justice this be ? ? ?

   White men beware! You're not safe in the streets! White folk stay home! Or you    might get beat.

   You've belittled our men, our women you've abused, and since that's not enough, our children you've    used.

   For what reason is this? Have we done wrong deeds? some of us have, but is this why we bleed?

   Is this diplomacy? Will it go much further: Be this just: Or be it just" murder?

   Our law is unfair. Or so it is said. Yet it has been proven, we do wrong and we're "dead!"

   Why are we so wrong? I won't understand! We're just as good, as any white man!

   They've killed one of us. They lied on the stand. Then set free, with blood on their hands.

   But be strong fellow Negroes. Try not to harm others. Be strong, but smart, stand right good    

   brothers.

   We've gone through a lot. And this be the climax! The white men will pay! God avenges, even blacks.

Arthur McDuffie, The Last Straw!

By John Henry Cleare

     Arthur McDuffie, just an ordinary man. Not a civil rights leader, nor the man with the  plan.

     In this world of disgust, mistrust, unjust. Set the spark that caused Miami to bust.

     On the night of Dec. 17 last. He was said to have been on his motorcycle; Putting on the gas.

     McDuffie was finally stopped, white cops all around.

     Out of anger and disgust they beat him to the ground.

     One white officer not satisfied at all; Took his flashlight in both hands and                      cracked his skull.

     After realizing what had transpired. And at the thought of imprisonment and being               fired.

     They conspired a plan. To cover up the murder of an un-armed Black Man.

     So they ran over his motorcycle so that it was bent.

     They delayed his medical help when it was sent.

     They even filled out a faulty accident report.

     After protest and investigations they were sent to court.

     There was no way in hell this should have taken place.

     They got six, all white male jurors to try the case.

     Acting like the sixties in Alabama.

     They had the trail moved to Tampa.

     The trial ended in a hell of a way.

     A lot of people would.... (illegible)

Footprints in the Sand

One night a mand had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."                                     

Author Unknown

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you for a little while

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

and hug your sorrows to you through the years.

But start out bravely with a gallant smile

and for my sake and in my name, 

Live on and do all things the same.

Feed not your loneliness on empty days. 

But fill each waking hour in useful ways.

Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer 

and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.

And never, never be afraid to die

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

             -Author Unknown

Now that I am Gone

Release Me, Let Me Go

I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had the time together.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

   how much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love each of you have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if you must grieve

   then let your grief be comforted by

   remembrance of my love and trust.

It's only for a while that we must part

So keep the good memories within your heart. 

Do not feel sad because I am gone.

I was tired and God took me home.

He knew I needed to rest so he did what he

   knew was best.

Do not grieve and shed wild tears.

Just remember the times we've shared throughout

   the years.

Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour in useful ways.

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I, in turn will comfort you and hold you near.

I know you do not understand but I am happy.

He has my hand.

So don not have a broken heart. Rejoice, for I have

   a brand new start.

Dry your eyes and be happy for me.

Thank God, I am finally free!

Lastly, I say to you:

"Never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

Welcome Home

Welcome home my child.

Your work on earth has been well done.

You have been a witness to many while on earth;

and you've shared the story about the miracle birth.

You never hid the fact that you love me.

You shared the word no matter what the need be.

And you showed how faith can strengthen and often mends.

You did your best to always give glory to me.

And for this you will live eternally.

And now the time has come for you to rest;

I'm taking you home as my special guest.

Welcome home, my child. 

Your work on earth has been well done.

                       -Author Unknown

The Man in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,

and the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself.

And see what THAT man has to say, 

for it isn't your father or mother or wife

whose judgement upon you must pass. 

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people might think your'e a straight-shootin' chum

and call you a wonderful guy.

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum.

If you can't look him straight in the eye, 

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.

For he's with you clear up to the end.

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test.

If the guy in the glass is your friend, 

you may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

and get pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the man in the glass.

                        -Anonymous