“It was just a day like any other day.
The only thing that made it significant
was that the masses of the people joined in.”
— Rosa Parks
By not moving, you began a movement,
like a cat stretching. Then suddenly alert.
By remaining seated, you stood for decency,
though your knees must have trembled.
By rejecting the law, you accepted a higher law,
knowing precisely what you were doing.
By praying silently, you spoke eloquently
in a language ordinary people could understand.
By closing your eyes, you opened ours,
and we could see the path ahead.
By whispering No, you shouted Yes,
and we felt your pain.
By holding your ground, you changed
our course, and we were never the same.