Freedom Riders 50 years

                      I STOOD
I stood
When they watched us get on the bus
I stood
When they kicked us, tripped us and stepped on our feet
I stood
When they yelled obscenities and spat on us
I stood
When they wouldn’t let the bus move
I stood
When they cut the tires
I stood
When they set the bus on fire
I stood
When they wouldn’t let us out
I stood
When the smoke darken the bus
I stood
When the smoke filled our lungs
I stood
When they finally let us out
I stood
When they beat on me while I tried to breathe clean air
I stood
When the shots rang out and the crowd disperse
I stood
When the gash on my head bleed out across my eyes
I stood
When a little white girl gave me water to drink and wiped my face
I stood
When I couldn’t go to their hospital
I stood
When my eyes and lips were too swollen to eat
I stood
When the next day I got back on the bus
I stood
And I’m still standing.