'Sing Out In Tribute' Poem by Patti Wilburn Haney

A little girl picked up a book
drawn by a bright cover with bird in flight
little hands opened to take a look
words of wisdom filled her sight.
Some understanding was gained that day
years of life before her taught her more
words of wisdom to guide her way
always searching for an open door.
You see the door is not open
for most of us here
the lock usually guarded by richer men
the portal laden with many a tear.
Of those before us who kicked at the gate
taught us to trill and scream
to spread our wings, not to wait
to soar, to love, to live, and to dream.
Poor white trash, female, queer, or darker of skin
we were told we were less
by “better” men
scream your trill and ignore their mess.
Freedom is a song
sung by a bird in a cage
for freedom do you long
sweet bird fly, turn the page.
Let your song be heard
across this land
knock down the door sweet bird
the hourglass has run out of sand.
Inside out we are all the same
none better than the rest
Trill, fly, soar away from their less game
Sweet bird the time is now to trill your best…