Lavender

Mar 01, 2026 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

March 2, 1955

Oh, Claudette!
Unmarried with child,
fifteen with wild hair -
you stood for justice
by sitting still.

White seats.
Black skin.
Move on!
Move on to the
back of the bus!

But Claudette, you sat still.
The hand of Harriet Tubman
pushing down on one shoulder.
The hand of Sojourner Truth
pushing down on the other.

And many months later-

the courage of Rosa Parks
rising tall from your defiance.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Claudette Colvin , unsung hero

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

Ray Miller

1 month 3 weeks ago

March 2, 1955

I read about her a while back, when she died, I suppose. Good poem.

you stood for justice
by sitting still.

Great lines

Lavender

1 month 3 weeks ago

Hello, Ray,

I learned of her within the past few days. No words to express her courage.

Thank you for reading

Sen99

1 month 3 weeks ago

Dear Lavendar

You have paid a fine tribute in verse to these heroines of history.

This would be an ideal piece for the context "In Honor of Women".

Thanks for share

Sen

Lavender

1 month 3 weeks ago

Hello, Sen,

I believe that contest is for sonnets, which this is not. But I appreciate the suggestion.

I am amazed with the integrity, dignity, and resistance she so courageously showed.

Thank you for reading!

Geezer

1 month 3 weeks ago

Stood for...

justice, by sitting still. Yes, a perfect poem for that contest. Nicely done! ~ Geez.

Lavender

1 month 3 weeks ago

Hello, Geezer,

When I read about her recently, I was struck by her courage. The event happened on March 2, so I wanted to post today.

The contest is for sonnets, and I really don't want to change the form here, but thank you for the suggestion.

Thank you for reading!

Geezer

1 month 3 weeks ago

Yes...

you are right, it is for sonnets only, and it would be a shame to try and convert this to one. Still, good stuff! ~ Geez.