Riding on the Bus

11/07/2020 - Poem a Day Compilation



We all know of Rosa Parks,

Who refused to give up her seat,

But what of the others who sat

In defiance just like her?



What of the likes of Claudette Colvin

Who also refused to move

At the tender age of just fifteen

And warrior wise beyond her years?



Could perhaps we could remember

Eighteen-year-old Mary Louise Smith

Who would not give up her seat

And fought segregation to the end?



What of proud Jeanetta Reese,

Who was intimidated by scared white folk

After such an act of public defiance,

That she could not take the stand?



And how many would know the name

Or the story of Aurelia Browder

Who refused to give up her seat

For a white bus rider to assume?



So, while we may remember

The name of Rosa Parks so well,

Remember, yet, those other names

Who fought for freedom, too.