“Poppa Ray’s Dream”
 
He dreamed of a time when Respect was a word
That meant youngs ones listened and actually heard.
He dreamed of a river that gave food to us all
That ran full of water, wasn’t empty and small.
 
A man full of sorrow for the world he lived in
A man who could speak for he knew where he’s been.
 
Still, he dreamed on with a hope that shone bright
That his children would one day walk forth from the night.
Standing tall amongst others, their dignity found
Proud of their culture and connection to this ground.
-Cheree Stokes © 2017