Monday's Poetry: "Down the Years"

by Pa Rock
Poetry Appreciator

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day set aside by the federal government to honor the man who did so much to bring integration and racial peace to a land that was still shackled to old prejudices and hatreds.   Dr. King's philosophy, like that of Mahatma Gandhi before him, was to motivate people and governments to change through peaceful, non-violent means.

To honor Dr. King's work and his memory, today's poetry selection is on the subject of non-violence.  It was written by Philip Britts as the Second World War was still raging.  Here are Mr. Britt's thoughts on the subject of change through non-violent activities as opposed to change as the result of war.


Down the Years
by Philip Britts

Down the years a murmur runneth,
Bleeding hearts that wince in pain,
While the boasting politicians
Vaunt the claims of man in vain.

Building cities, stone on stubble,
Seeking safety in their might,
Till the ground the men to rubble
With their brothers of the night.

Through the earth their runs a challenge
Clearer than the trumpet call:
"Oh forsake your ancient folly,
Build the Brotherhood of all

"Seek the city that God buildeth,
City of heart and hand, 
Not beyond the grave of shadow,
Here on earth, in your own land."