The preacher stood there strong and still
brilliant in a new day’s dawning
singing with hope’s bright emergence,
sweet songs into the morning air.
He sang about a dream of dreams,
how all men should live and be free,
and the soul’s intended purpose;
strains of how true justice should stand
upon the strong and Solid Rock,
brotherhood between all races.
He sang a dream about God’s wish
that all men should dwell as equals
from dusty roads to hallowed halls...
the proud brought low, meek lifted high.
Too long has his voice been silent
across this nation which he loved
yet still his song loudly echoes.
Most men have heard but not listened.
Too many proud arrogant men
bent on ending this Song of Dreams
with hearts hardened and necks stiffened;
so many minds fighting against
the truths within this Preacher’s Hymn.
Harboring vitriolic hate,
none can ever truly be free
within whitewashed walls of bias.
No faction, race, or written law,
religious wording cannot bring
true freedom until this land learns
the meaning of these chosen words,
created out of love for peace
within our land and in our hearts.
His Anthem of Hope is so near
for all those who would dare to reach;
to dare to love and to believe
to dare to sing this song with him:
"Free at last, free at last.
Thank God Almighty,
We are free at last."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
(January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968)
~r.
All rights reserved © R. Braley (astralshepherd)
Author notes
Thrity-nine lines, one for each of his years.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968)
The speech
www.usconstitution.net/dream.html
The King center
http://www.thekingcenter.org/
Historical Site, National Park Service
www.nps.gov/malu/
The Nobel Peace Prize
www.nobel.se/peace/laureates/1964/\
Selected Bibliography
Bennett, Lerone, Jr., What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Chicago, Johnson, 1964.
I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King in Text and Pictures. New York, Time Life Books, 1968.
King, Martin Luther, Jr., The Measure of a Man. Philadelphia. The Christian Education Press, 1959. Two devotional addresses.
King, Martin Luther, Jr., Strength to Love. New York, Harper & Row, 1963. Sixteen sermons and one essay entitled "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence."
King, Martin Luther, Jr., Stride toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. New York, Harper, 1958.
King, Martin Luther, Jr., The Trumpet of Conscience. New York, Harper & Row, 1968.
King, Martin Luther, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? New York, Harper & Row, 1967.
King, Martin Luther, Jr., Why We Can't Wait. New York, Harper & Row, 1963.
"Man of the Year", Time, 83 (January 3, 1964) 13-16; 25-27.
"Martin Luther King, Jr.", in Current Biography Yearbook 1965, ed. by Charles Moritz, pp. 220-223. New York, H.W. Wilson.
Reddick, Lawrence D., Crusader without Violence: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York, Harper, 1959.
Well, I don't know what will happen now.
We've got some difficult days ahead.
But it doesn't matter with me now.
Because I've been to the mountaintop.
And I don't mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.
Longevity has its place.
But I'm not concerned about that now.
I just want to do God's will.
And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain.
And I've looked over.
And I've seen the Promised Land.
I may not get there with you.
But I want you to know tonight, that we,
as a people, will get to the promised land.
And I'm happy, tonight.
I'm not worried about anything.
I'm not fearing any man.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
I've been to the mountaintop - Martin Luther King jr. - 1968
Originally Written July 2nd, 2004
What do you think?
Comments
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Amen brother i am with you
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wow thats realy good i understand it but i dontknow how to put it in words all i can do is keep reading your amazing poems your such a good writer i hope you keep writing for us veiwers it would mean alot to me to have such a talented writer to coment one of my poems thanks for sharing
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Thank God Almighty for this powerful and brilliant write about freedom for all!
This is divinely inspired. Be blessed! Be courageous! Live free!
Love,
Kell -
Thank God Almighty for this powerful and brilliant write about freedom for all!
This is divinely inspired. Be blessed! Be courageous! Live free!
Love,
Kell -
This is a poem that my pastor would like to see. Talks a little of chritian faith and what we would like to see in this world. Great Job [Love Hydz
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EXCELLENT!!!
I have accepted Him with open arms and God fills my life with so many wonderful things and my heart with such peace. I wish everyone would come to know Him as you and I do. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Annie, thank you for the wonderful comment as well as the generostity of your applause, i appreciate both more than you could know.
blessings,
and best wishes,
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Excellent!
Wonderfully chosen words with a very powerful message. I found your write to be a very real combination of challenging and inspiring. Brilliant...
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thank you, Dreanne, i appreciate your comment more than you could ever know.
blessings
and best wishes,
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preaching is lecturing
I agree with kings reason and reasoning and enjoy Freedom. my freedom is to not be a victim of all the "isms" those "red herrings" that keep us all hating and fighting each other.I have been taught many things good and bad but i have learned to love my brothers,sisters and neighbour. I thought that your words were valid nonetheless and appreciate the sentiment. I am free of those biases that would keep me a prisoner of myself and i love other lands too.My mind is like a parachute...it works better when it is "open".
A good message in your words I thank you for them.
ps.Lurchers comment and picture made me howl with laughter
and that is what will bring us all together. the ability to laugh at ourselves.
Peace to you and yours, Neil Stout.
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thank you, Neil, for stopping by an giving your comments - i appreciate it as well as the generostity of your applause.
blessings
and best wishes
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wonderfully. we as a class in school are doing projects on black history. i enjoyed this pice,, you wonder how people can be so mean to others, in all because of the color of skin or other dumb thing they can thing of the hate them with out knowing them. great words. keep on writing,.
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it is a long road, this one we walk toward equality, not just with race and religions, but gender as well. thank you so much for your comment and the generosity of your applause, i appreciate it more than you could ever know.
blessings
and best wishes,
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beautifully eloquent
I don't remember the last piece I read of yours, but I definitely remember this feeling of awe and inspiration I get after reading your work
It's ironic, I was just watching "I Have A Dream" the other day, and as soon as I read the first line of this it hit me that that speech IS truly musical. I could go on forever about this poem, but instead I'll simply leave saying that, in my humble opinion, that last stanza before Dr. King's quote, could not have been more perfect.
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i am so greatful that you took the time to read and comment on this poem and the generositiy of your applause as well...both mean so much to me.
blessings
and best wishes,
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woow. itz so cool. i luv it=
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VERRY WELL DONT I LIKE IT ALOT!!
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This is such a wonderful tribute to a beautiful human being!!!!! The words are so full of wisdom and respect...and the author notes are such a wonderful addition....the links are very beneficial as well. Thank you for sharing such a magnificent verse....I truly adored it!!!!
Az
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wonderful
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good write
Hi astralshepherd, when I tried to read your poem the other day for some reason it didn't show up on my computer. But I did read it today and think you did a good job and you certainly hit on a lot of truths.the Bible tells us that on that day when Jesus returns to gather his own there will be many who profess to love him who but to him he will say depart from me for I never knew you. what a sad thought. it is time we come to understand that we all are loved by the same God who created mankind for his pleasure and my, my, my how we have failed in the commandment to love one another. that means all races, allpeople old or young, educated or uneducated, rich or poor, mentally or physically challenged or well mentally and physically. what a better world we would have if only we could get that across to the world and especially our nation. thanks for letting me sound off. Keep writing. childlike faith
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i dont kniow much about this King.
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lurcher, thank you for dropping by and letting me know about your unfamiliarity with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – I suppose there are many places where his message has not taken hold. If you would like to research his life further, I have links and a bibliography at the end of my poem.
Blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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All I have to say is this is awesome!,Hazel
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Hazel, thank you so much for your comment and i appreciate the applause as well. Your encouragement means a great deal to me.
Blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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wow thats really good! Great Job!!!!!
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Kristie Lynn, I appreciate your comments here on this poem more than you could know. Thank you , for your encouragement.
Blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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Sorry,
I should have mentioned that your research was very good.
J.G. -
He was quite a man!
"how all men should live and be free,
and the soul’s intended purpose;
strains of how true justice should stand
upon the strong and Solid Rock,
brotherhood between all races."
He will always represent a good change in the world. It may have been slow at times but it has progressed a lot. I think he was a hero to many than and is still now.
Take Care
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Melanie, thank you for your comment and I appreciate the applause very much. Indeed, the world has progressed a great deal, but we have long way to go.
- Blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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Necessary to remember
For those of us old enough to remember that day, this coming 40th anniversary should give us pause to look at the intervening years, and wonder if we have accomplished anything lasting. We can change laws, but not change hearts. Dr. King preached to change hearts so that changed laws could have good effect.
"From every heart let freedom ring." M.L.King
Thank you for your effort.
J.G.
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James, thank you for your wonderful comment and the generosity of your applause. You are so right when you say 'we can change laws, but not change hearts'. This concept of the changed heart is paramount to overcoming bigotry, racism and hatred in this world of turmoil.
- Blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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Very Well Done
This is a wonderful tribute and there isn't a hint of cliche, or sappy sentiment there is much more to it than purely an emotional tug- this is intelligent as well as beautiful and that is what makes it powerful. You've captured the spirit of the message in a hopeful, bright and powerful way. This really is a lovely poem and I'm very pleased to have happened upon it.
Nicely done!
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Thank you, TillyMay, i appreciate your saying that, i always have fear of being too over-the-top or soap boxish. Thanks for the applause as well. I used to be part of the group Kindred Souls, led by MuseStalker, somehow i got bounced from there, maybe i offended her somehow. She hasnt be around much, have you heard from her? No biggie, just curious. I am now off to read one of yours.
blessings and best wishes, astralshepehrd
~r.
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This is a wonderful write. Those words still echo..we are in a land where we are all free and alot has come to pass in society since the passing of MLK..now that are all free to persue there desires in this land we need to become united to make the depth of those word hold to the meaning. Wonderful tribute and reminder of what just one can do when the heart is in tune for the betterment of many.
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June, thanks for the wonderful comment and the generosity of your applause, both mean a great deal to me. there is a quote i am fond of, the authorship of it may be in doubt - but not the truth of it. the essense of it is, "I cannot do everything, but I can do something" we all can learn to love.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Is it Richard?
January 15th 2005, three friends and I commented on this poem from our office. The poem is as vibrant and inspiring as we then heard it.
Happy Holiday!
John-Las Vegas
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thanks John for the comment and the generosity of your applause, it makes this old heart feel good to know you enjoyed it.
blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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Martin Luther King was a great man. But he is the reason I couldnt get my liscence today. lol. Great write though and I liked it. I was thinking that it was just going to be about preachers in general and was going to say something else, but You got away with it this time*gigggle* Great write like I said and keep up the good work. " I Dreamed a dream......"
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Thank you, Ann, i appreciate your comment a great deal...sorry about your licence, hope you get it soon.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Exellent! Bravo. Very well done!
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Duana, thank you so much for the applause, i appreciate it more than you could know.
~r.
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An Amazing Tribute
This definitely honors the man spoken of. He still fascinates us this day, long after he's gone.
I wish he was here. Your poem inspires that.
Well done!
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thank you so much for your comment and the generosity of your applause, i appreciate it.
blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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great
great tribute..beautiful
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thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment and i appreciate your applause very much,
blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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A POWERFUL PIECE
and a beautiful tribute to his dream(have you thoght of sending this to his family in his honor? -
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i appreciate your comment and the time you took to read this poem, i've sent it to several different e-mail addresses but have yet to get a response,
blessings and best wishes, astralshepherd
~r.
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Excellent.
Indeed this is excellent and his dream has not ended but it lives on in those that dare to change what is wrong. It lives on in the eyes of children who have learned the love word instead of hate.
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thank you for stopping by and commenting, i appreciate it. there is a quote i am fond of, the authorship of it may be in doubt - but not the truth of it. the essense of it is, "I cannot do everything, but I can do something" we all can learn to love
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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So well done, his words still ring true for us today. thank you for sharing this with us once again! ~Sie
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I really do appreciate your taking the time to read the poem and thank you for the applause, it means a great deal to me.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Well Done,
A well written piece for a man that had a beautiful dream.
All the best,
~T.S~
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thank you, TS for the comment and applause, i appreciate it.
blessing and best wishes,
~r.
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as much as i am a lover of m l k im not a believer nor do i try to change the beliefes and veiws of others... my friend you have wrote a beautiful poem here backed up with such a lovely sentement and i wish peace you and happeness in our world of conflicting views ( :
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i appreciate your comments and perspective on the poem as well a the applause, it means alot to me.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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What a inspiring write
What a fine write the Preachers Song, a dream of a united peacful world this dream will come true dear friend God assures us of this for this is Gods will for all mankind we read at Acts 10:34,35 For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
Psalms 37:11 But the meek ones themselves will posses the earth, And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.
This dream will someday become a reality to Gods praise and glory through Jesus Christ amen
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thank you, Lady Mak, for the lovely comment and adding your perspectives. your remarks are very timely indeed,
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Thank you for writing this tribute...how fitting, 39 lines for each year of his life. I have always been inspired by Martin Luther King Jr, and his life! Kudos!
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thank you, magicbeanbuyer, (love your penname, by the way) for your comment, i appreciate your taking the time to stop by and read.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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You do such a great job writing. I am sure that family would be very honored by your tribute. Great job.
Cheryl -
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thank you Cheryl, you are so kind - i appreciate you more that you know. i would like to think they would get to read this some day, i've sent copies off in all directions, hoping it will be well received.
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Very nice tribute to a great man with a wonderful message. Keep spreading his words of love and one day our nation will be like the one he envisioned in his dream.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Maureen
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Thank you, Maureen, having your comment here is a blessing to me, i appreciate your kind words very much.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Most awesome and outstanding piece of poetry, my friend!
I enjoyed reading every single line!
True poetic talent you have, hon
Very well done!!!
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You are an amazing poet dear man. I think you have done an outstanding job with this. You kept me riveted to the monitor. I am sure there will be many more poems written in honor of this wonderful man, but I don't think any of them can come close to what you have written. A pleasure once again to have read your work.
Kelli
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thank you Kelli for the comment - and for thinking of me as a dear man, i appreciate it. your work is wonderful as well.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Thought provoking, certainly. Well done. You evoke something of the times in the way you have written this--more formally--and yet make it relevant to today. I think perhaps that one line for each year of his life was a little too tributary...You bleed the peice of credibility by making your personal feelings about this figure so plainly known. What you are aiming to put across is that his MESSAGE means that much to you... I think the poem does this quite well, in the main. It was a difficult topic to have chosen and you have handled it quite well.
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thank you, Gratitude, for you for taking the time to stop by and comment. As far as one line for each of his years, it was only after it was written did i realize it, perhaps i should remove that remark from my author notes - thanks again.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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His Anthem of Hope is so near
for all those who would dare to reach;
to dare to love and to believe
to dare to sing this song with him:
"Free at last, free at last.
Thank God Almighty,
We are free at last."
ohh great !!! i never read him.
its cool, so thougthful work
by
the poet of hearts and beautiful words
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thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, i truly appreciate it and the applause as well. you are very kind.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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He certainly was a preacher and led the way with words of truth that sang out to the whole of the western world and beyond. I remember listening to him as a child entranced by the wonderful lyrical sound of his message.
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thank you for your wonderful comment and the generosity of your applause, i appreciate both very much. i think, because he spent so much time in the pulpit, he had a wonderfully developed speaking style that is so easy to follow, truly lyrical, as you said.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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yeah really good here, i'm surprised i have never heard of this person before... although i arnt really religious, (last year i hate a whole christmas cake at easter, talk about faux pas) but i may look into him a little more... do you know if they are any books that are available on him, or is he like an underground sort of character.
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thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my poem about Dr. King, i appreciate it. He is remembered more as a civil rights activist and humanitarian than as a preacher, but that is where he began. He always saw himself more a preacher than an activist - his speeches about race and equality are priceless bits of history. As far as finding more about him, there are some links at the end of the poem and a selected bibliography for reference.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Awesome!
Great! I just taught about MLK Jr. to my 2nd graders. Maybe I'll share your poem with them! -
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Charity Ann, i would be honored if you would read my poem to your second graders and thank you so much for stopping by.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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