DARE TO DREAM; IN MEMORY OF DR MARTIN
LUTHER KING (50 YEARS ON)
A poem for the MLK50 Equality In Our Lifetime campaign
Fifty years since the dream Martin
Luther King shared with a nation
Of equality for all and an end to
discrimination
As we reflect fifty years later the question
we must now ask
Is what progress have we really made
in the half century that’s passed?
I have a dream of no poverty or
deprivation
An end to prejudice, injustice and
discrimination
No abuse or harassment causing
devastation
Where challenges to these are not met
with confrontation
I have a dream that we’ll rise up in
unity
Act like one strong and determined
community
Live in a world of equal opportunity
Where progress is anticipated eagerly
I have a dream of access to jobs and
employment
Where we are assessed on our
achievement
Where those with the power to decide don’t
cast judgment
Based on class or gender or age or
skin pigment
I have a dream that every one of us
each and every day
Will rise up to those blocking us from
progressing on our way
That we’ll expose the hypocrites and end
the moral decay
Be unrelenting in our pursuit of
truth, do not just say
I have a dream that the evil of fascism
will be no more
That peace will come and there’ll be
an end to illegal war
That the pursuit of justice is not
blocked by biased law
And in all we strive for, equality is
at the core
I have a dream that our children will
be judged on merit
Where irrespective of colour or class
they’re given credit
For their skills, ideas and talent, not
broken in spirit
That we create a legacy that they’re
proud to inherit
I have a dream of free access to
education
Where knowledge is not barred due to
financial situation
Where we can build a firm and secure
foundation
For ourselves, our kin and the next
generation
I have a dream of sufficient welfare
Free and accessible healthcare
Of a world that’s equal and fair
Where those who hold the power hear
I have a dream where we’re free to
embrace
Our colour, gender, sexuality and race
Where we’re not made to feel out of
place
Because of disability, status or face
I have a dream where instead of
judging by skin
We live side by side, not like enemies,
but kin
Where faith and hope, not hatred and
ignorance, win
Where we never stop believing or dreaming
I have a dream that we will always
dare
To aspire to and dream of a better world
where
The quest for liberty outweighs the
fear
Of those who are not brave enough to
share
Our dream
Written by Zita Holbourne, copyright January 2013
