That Day in '68

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands
in moments of comfort and convenience, but where
he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sanitation workers go on strike
turns into dignity and equality fight
Call in Dr. King to help support the poor
Syndicated media will boost the tour

He gave his last sermon
the night before
"I've been to the mountaintop"
He assured we would endure

The next day saw his death
on the balcony of the Lorraine
the guilty party, a man called James Ray
though he was not alone they say

Smoke and screams
windows crashing around
riots and violence
call the troops into town

Peace and non-violence
were his way
Everyone realized
We shouldn't behave this way

The towns have quieted
Dr. King is bemoaned
He's in Atlanta
his final earthly home

The sanitation workers
were organized by AFSCME
it wasn't the end
but the beginning of history

The Civil Rights Bill
Johnson has passed
Thank you Martin Luther
for the dedication that lasts