He sat besides
His father’s bed
Anxious, concerned
He might be dead
Started praying
And quietly said
Have mercy my Lord
Or peace instead

Though it was
In the middle of autumn
The father was warm
From top to bottom
He heard the prayer
To the Lord’s Kingdom
And gave his son
A piece of wisdom

I’m pleased with you
My son and proud
For all the work
You’ve done out loud
Seeking truth and justice
As you’ve always vowed
Bless you may the Lord
Above the cloud

Stand up for justice
My son and fight
Might would never
Defeat what’s right
Don’t ever drop that
Out of your sight
But let it always be
Your guiding light

Speaking against injustice
Is your first mile
In a journey of a thousand
And thorns in a pile
Stand up for justice
Even for those you revile
Soon after, the father departed
On his face was a smile

*This poem is dedicated to the Honorable David E. Bonior, the former Democratic whip and congressman from Michigan. His commitment to justice is unwavering, even during the difficult times when his father was gravely sick and passed away.