Freedom to change has proved your battle call.
You filed suit to attend Ole Miss—its first
black student and graduate. Saw two fall
dead in riots as you entered. Were cursed
in and after classes ‘til they handed
you the diploma. Caught a sniper’s slug
on your peace walk to Jackson. Abandoned
civil rights. Became a stockbroker. Shrugged
off your brave past to join Republicans.
Ran for the Senate and lost. Complain how
white liberals prevent a black’s advance,
stifling growth with welfare programs. So now,
grown old breaking the hero’s mold, you can
fade quietly like most Americans.
Roger Armbrust
July 9, 2007
