how to feel that day,
in patriotic ways
I had achieved
yet I was cast down
from centre stage
and to the left
in my heart
beat the fist raised
because they were human
and friends in battle,
for we had overcome
in a race for glory
against the world
who watched
their race
was far from over,
just beginning
and for one moment,
gold had nothing
to do with winning
it had everything to do
humanity and friendship
how a world hushed
to see that color never mattered
Author notes
Not for judging but for me because I wanted to, just as Peter Norman wanted to also.
In a list
A contest entry
- Picture Prompt-Standing Up for Friends-Black Salute by Cannonsfire.
1750 points, ended July 19, 10 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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I was too young in 1968 to understand the reasons they did what they did. In retrospect, their sacrifice seemed to do more harm than good but that's just my opinion. Good luck in the contest.
Sincerely,
Leo Long
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Me too, in fact I wasn't here lol but it was something my father and family often talked about. It never harms things to shake them up a little and if nothing else all three became great lifelong friends. That in itself is a story right there.
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race with two meanings i suppose in this context. thanks for sharing this poem...
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Very, very good. I appreciate you sharing.
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awwww, wow, this is amazing
you are sooo smart with your writes
keep it up and take care
stephanie ♥ -
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This is a story I heard years ago and I never forgot it
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awww *hugs* seems a good one to remember *hugs*
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For him it didn't. But I remember being in college and all the people who were upset by it. He was forgotten by many. I was amazed at how much hatred it brought out. This one quiet statement. I was proud of those who felt they had a right to do it. It was years before I ever heard about the white guy. Years before I found out he was a source of support.
You are right in your last lines. Color shouldn't matter and winning shouldn't be everything. But there are too many people who just are not that big.
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Peter Norman gave up athletics because of his stand with them but he never gave up their friendship that had formed. They have made a documentary for national release here on the story and it is one that makes me proud that an Australian did what he saw was the right thing to do, even giving up the thing he loved most for the stand of justice for all Love, C
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