Martin Luther King, by Winnifred Bray (age 13)

The following poem was published in the Welland Tribune and inspired L.V. Hogue to paint "The Freedon Rider".

Martin Luther King
Winnifred Bray, age 13

Some say he knew, God told him so. He reached the mounttain top. He saw the promised land for them. He saw success and hope. He gave his life so willingly To reach his striving goal. He didn't fear for himself For God now owned his soul. This patriotic, faithful man Held the hearts of all Who followed in teh great march on And harkened to God's call. Multitudes did hold him dear. They saw love in his face. They looked into his longing heart, Ignoring shade and race. But still, there was the hateful one Who didn't see this man As a messenger from God But, with a different tan. And so th eworld stood still that night. "No God!" the crowd did yell. the sniper's bullet found his head And Martin Luther fell. Some say he knew, he had a dream Which thrice he did exclaim And then his speech of speeches, Just hours, hen he was slain. He said therein that they would see Their victory close at hand And with or without him, they Would find their promised land. Oh God we pray that all will feel The sorrow and the sting We felt at the sudden death Of Martin Luther King.