A Tribute

This is for the brothas and sistas
who ain’t here.
To those who have passed on
Their unfinished work to us.

 For the stargazers,
The freedom lovers,
The peacemakers,
And my good friend Malcolm
this one’s for you.

This is for the brothas and sistas
who ain’t here.
For the life givers
For the revolution makers,
The story writers,
And the rhythm shakers,
To you, I say, “Thank you.”

this is for the brothas and sistas
who ain’t here.
to you my beloved brothas and sistas
Who have not been given
Your respect due,
Rest in Peace.
Your work shall not be in vain.

           DONNA T. THOMAS, 19
                                          New Jersey

Source: Quiet Storm: Voices of Young Black Poets