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
