Four Angels

by Cindy   Sep 2, 2008


Four Angels

Birmingham, Alabama
Old train rolling down the tracks
Cool early Autumn breeze
Moving forward don't look back

Everywhere things were changing
Segregation, riots, race wars
"Bull" Conner , his dogs in tow
Will this world find a cure?

"Momma" the children ask...........

"Why can't I drink from that fountain?"
"Why do they look differently at me?"
"We all have the same God, we all bleed"
"Is the color of my skin all they see?"

Young girls dressed in Sunday's best
Heading to Old Baptist Church
Smiling faces, friends to meet
Bibles tucked safely in their purse

The choir sang Amazing Grace
Voices rang across Dynamite Hill
Preacher shouting gospel prayers
The earth shook, everything was still

Sunday morning service Sept 15, 1963.......

Eerie silence heavy in the air
Searching through rubble wiping tears
Four sweet Angels sit at God's knees
Eternity now without fear

Old train rolling down the track
Lone whistle crying out four names
Birmingham, Alabama 1963
Life there will never be the same

***In Memory of the four young girls who lost their lives
that September day. In an act of terrorism.

Addie May Collins
Cynthia Wesley
Denise McNair
Carol Robinson

May you rest in peace.

Written by: Cynthia Graver
June 16, 2008

    report violation
8


Did You Like This Poem?

Latest Comments

  • 15 years ago

    by Ray Blue

    What a beautiful tribute poem.
    September is the month of reflecting. You gave the "4 Angel" a sunny smile- the gift of light which freely fills all empty spaces.

  • 15 years ago

    by Daisy if you do

    Cindy,
    What a magnificent powerful poem. You know how I feel about this, and still think it is your most amazing poem to date. You had such a knack for telling this story and making everyone aware of the pains and strife for being different from everyone else. Unfortunately today the racism is still prevalent in America. We have to get messages out like this so that history doesn't repeat itself. If this changes one persons views then it has done its purpose. Wonderful write my dear. I love the focus you took on in the poem and the quotes from what may have been said, or thoughts that occured so many times in their heads. Thank you for writing on such a touchy subject and making people aware of awful occurence in history.
    Fantastic job dear.

  • 15 years ago

    by Sourav

    A very serious concept you've raised here. One of those things that's killing our society. Making us more uncivilized.
    "Why can't I drink from that fountain?"
    "Why do they look differently at me?"
    "We all have the same God, we all bleed"
    "Is the color of my skin all they see?"
    This stanza is certainly very touchy and an eye opener to us. God never discriminates. It's only us make life full of hatred.
    A very meaningful write. Great tribute to all those innocent victims of terror. And some food for thought for us also. Beautiful.

  • 15 years ago

    by NyellMoonlight

    I am honestly impressed with this piece of poetry. Whole poem is deeply touching and truly greatly written. Your descriptions made the whole scene unfold in front of me, amazingly vivid.

    Also, you created fantastic rhythm and flow from the beginning to the end.

    - Eerie silence heavy in the air
    Searching through rubble wiping tears
    Four sweet Angels sit at God's knees
    Eternity now without fear-
    ^^^
    This is my favorite stanza from the poem, it is so powerful.

    This piece is memorable, excellent in every way.

    Keep up!

  • 15 years ago

    by Deana

    An excellent piece Cindy,It is so sad to think that something like that could happen in this country. Sadly there are a lot of kids getting those same looks today. You did your homework well.An outstanding historical piece.

Read All Comments (9)

More Poems By Cindy