In Memoriam. To John Lewis, for Black History Month. Friday's Inspiration 21, to Eric Dierker
Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.
Medal of Honour
Lewis was granted the Medal of Honour by Obama in 2011,
And the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, ensures that each American
Has a right to choose who they wish to represent them. John Lewis was influenced by Dr Martin Luther King Jnr
In Memoriam, to John Lewis.
Paul, the Apostle, in his letter to the
Corinthians, said that Christ died, so that
Others may live. Fast forward to the 21st century,
And John Lewis lived, so that others too, would live.
He lived to show us, that when tenacity or
Perseverance is strong; man can even conquer
State-sponsored betrayals; that the highest
Ideals of liberty, equality, justice and the
Pursuit of happiness, is worth fighting for.
John Lewis lived to show us, that when resolve is steady,
Then it is possible and achievable, to fight against bigotry
And oppression, with a strong spirit of Love and goodness.
John Lewis showed, that no iron bars could
Imprison the Spirit … that a more Inclusive America,
With its richness of diversity and culture, would be a lot
Stronger. He bathed in the rays of lustrous Light, so we
Could dance, with the dreams of tomorrows vision.
John Lewis treated everyone with dignity and
Respect, simply because it was natural, or innate
To his character. Sometimes jailed for speaking out,
He believed that if the cause was just, we should all
Hold to our purpose and conviction.
Joe and Jill Biden pay their respects to John Lewis
John Lewis lived to show us, that the spirit of Ahimsa –
Of activism through non-violence, was but a powerful
Vehicle for necessary change; he helped many to
Overcome their fears and insecurities; hatred and division.
When this black son of Alabama, USA, was being
Buried, there was a double rainbow over the casket.
No surprise for a man with the unshakeable conviction,
That hate and fear, had to be answered with Love and hope.
Lewis’s clarion call: “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble,
And help redeem the soul of America,” was repeated several
Times at his funeral. He wrote an essay just before his death:
“We are all complicit when we tolerate injustice,”
Lewis wrote. “Each of us has a moral obligation
To stand up, speak up and speak out…”
“In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate
That the way of peace, the way of Love and
Non-violence, is the more excellent way,
Now it is your turn, to let freedom ring.”
The long march is not yet over; the race is not yet won
No farewell, John Lewis. We shall listen as your heart
Sings and the sunset prepares flowers for another rising dawn.
We will grieve and lament with funeral songs and
Fiery speeches, while you dance with shooting stars,
Holding the sceptre of Jesus, the Christ, in the new Jerusalem.
We shall hear the bugles blow and trumpets call,
As you rise again in the haven of the Beyond,
Chanting alleluia to the drum-makers for Justice … for Love.
- Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 1st August, 2020
The Light of Love, Governed Lewis's Life
America has always produced luminary Lights, nor does She lack them now.
© 2021 manatita44
Comments
manatita44 (author) from london on February 08, 2021:
Indeed, Dee, Indeed. A great soul of Light indeed! My birthday on Wednesday. Stay well and blessed.
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on February 08, 2021:
John lived so that others might live. We must not forget him. Thanks for inspiring us to remember.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 07, 2021:
Remarkable that he went in jail for speaking out and still did so well on the national scene Amazing, but shows the indomitable power of the soul. Remember Harriet Tubman? She was literally facing death every day!! Yet she survived. Glory to the Highest! Peace, Bro. Nice to see you!
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on February 07, 2021:
Thank you so much for this. What an honor to be associated with such flowing praise of Mr. Lewis. On further discussion with my daughter, she and Mr., Lewis were on a first name basis of familiarity. Being a political operative in DC has it's perks.
At the time he was serving time in the pen. I was preparing for Kindergarten. Mom had us watch all the news on civil rights on the black and white.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 06, 2021:
Indeed, Brenda. Some powerful miracle of God's Light.
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on February 06, 2021:
I remember all the talk about the double rainbow.
Your words paint a picture of a brave soul.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 06, 2021:
Thank you, John. He was a most wonderful human, a man of conscience, but he also bridged the gap between black and white. Many loved him as he had a beautiful Heart!
He hated inequities but believed in the power to do good in human souls. Funny thing that, we all have the Light, but in some, much encouragement and inspiration is needed. Thank you so much!
John Hansen from Gondwana Land on February 06, 2021:
Manatita, this is a fitting tribute to John Lewis and Eric Dierker. I must admit I did not know anything about John Lewis until his death and then I read the essay he had written and also all the tributes to this wonderful human being. There need to be many more people with integrity and conviction like him.
Eric is also a wonderful human and an amazing teacher and friend. Thanks you for writing this.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 06, 2021:
Yes, Ann.
About Eric, I hope he's well. Seems to go up and down. Best wishes to him.
John Lewis was a different kind of person to Dr King, but a great student of his work and mission. Much Love.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 06, 2021:
Devika, Indeed! He was a noble soul, R.I.P. Thank you so much!
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on February 06, 2021:
manatita44 your hubs are encouraging and such kind words about John Lewis is not surprising.
Ann Carr from SW England on February 06, 2021:
Lovely tribute to someone who was obviously important and stood out to make a difference. Also a nice dedication to Eric.
Ann
manatita44 (author) from london on February 05, 2021:
Deserving indeed!!
America has produced some amazing patriots. Thank you so much!
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on February 05, 2021:
Impressive! John Lewis deserves the best of tributes and you're the one to do the honors. Eric also is worthy of the dedication. Excellent job!
manatita44 (author) from london on February 05, 2021:
Thank you, Pamela. You seem to have a new look for some 3-4 days now. Charismatic! Thanks.
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on February 05, 2021:
This is a lovely tribute to John Lewis and Eric. John Lwis is a man to admire for sure. He certainly deserved the Medal of Honour.
Your poem is beautiful as well. Blessings, Manatita.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 05, 2021:
Thanks Linda.
Glad you know of him. Beautiful!!
Shauna, I thank you very much. Stay well and healthy ... and blessed.
Hi Peggy, thank you so much!! Appreciated!.
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on February 05, 2021:
Your poem is a beautiful ode to the life of John Lewis. May his message of fighting injustice continue to thrive until the day we truly experience justice for all.
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on February 05, 2021:
This is a beautiful tribute, Manatita. Each of you are men of peace. May John Lewis's legacy be strong and heard world-wide. We need more peacekeepers to come forth with the positive influence of love and respect.
Excellent piece, my friend.
Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on February 05, 2021:
If any of us could have the opportunity to meet John Lewis, I am glad that it was Eric. Mr. Lewis was an amazing patriot and human being. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to him.
manatita44 (author) from london on February 05, 2021:
Let it spread, Bro. Let it spread. Awesome! Bill, I thank you so much!!
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on February 05, 2021:
Wow, John Lewis and Eric packed into one beautiful tribute. How can you go wrong here, two people who are all about love, written by a person who is all about love.
I'm feeling the love spread over me like my favorite blanket.
Blessings always!
