I was a year old when you died
The cancer took you, Fanny Lou
And now I remember you
With honour running through my veins
Oh I will see you again!
And I know that when we meet
You'll forgive me for those creeps
That beat life right out of you
On a cold Winona street
Daring dignity won through
As you stumbled to your feet
And with defiance took the heat
The plantation songs ring out
For you in heaven
There's no doubt
Author notes
This is for you, Fanny Lou Hamer. An inspiration, a queen, a beautiful woman and a fighter.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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A deeply touching and poignant tribute and dedication that was very moving.
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A wonderful tribute to one who dared question the rights of her and the rights of others liberty.
Thank-you for sharing
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I heard Fanny speak "yes they are" after reading the ending of your poem. You too are an inspiration, a queen, a beautiful woman and a fighter. Thank you!
Peace in light and love
Noah
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I have read a few poems by you know and wanted to applaud you for your social conscience. As "gens de couleur," I, speaking for all of us, appreciate it.
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Thanks you for sharing this piece and story. I had not heard of Fanny Lou before, so you did me a real service with this poem.
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Immensely powerful!!!
As usual, you spoke the words of a social activist and a freedom fighter. Fannie Lou Hamer rose from illiteracy, poverty and racism to become the leading representative of the Mississippi Democratic Freedom Party. The photo was from her searing speech made in Chicago (1968).
"And I know when we meet
You'll forgive me for those creeps
That beat life right out of you
On that cold Winona street"
Police arrested her. Sherriff deputies beat her, and then coerced Negro detainees to beat her more with blackjacks. They infected her wounds with salt. The cancer killed her, but her savage mauling shortened her life.
Thank you for remembering this saint. You and her are similar in many ways.
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You are a true champion of those that fought for freedom, justice and the resurrection of human dignity. Your words, echoing Fanny Lou's, keep these spirits alive - in a world where, 40 plus years on, so many still have yet to taste true freedom. May your voice carry those echoes until they are heard by all. L&P, Kx
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BEAUTIFUL!
This is a fine piece of work. I actually read it yesterday, but I didn't know who Fanny Lou Hamer was. I had to look her up to know what you were writing about. You have a heart made of gold and your humanity comes out in leaps and bounds in your poetry. I wish I were half the poet you are. It is such a sad thing that we have these type of things to write about, but you do it with compassion, empathy, and a love for all people. You my friend would make a great civil rights leader. I would love to give you more than 3 clappies. Your friend Sylvia aka Mysty Rain
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Thank you Sylvia - I really love that you read my latest piece and enjoyed it. Your friendship fills me with smiles. Love, Stephanie x
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