scars still starkly mark
the map of old mobile
ancient racial scars
scars of segregation
and oppression
seen in the streets
in anonymous eyes
looks of anger regret
and resentment
linger from the residue
of separation and
inequality they remain
marked indelibly
in countless eager minds
extinguished dreams
and put out possibilities

schools and cities everywhere
remain sharply segregated
maps are drawn in racial lines
schools created in
the name of christ
continue such separation
disabling public schools
and opportunity for many
whose color or class
consign them to live
their lives confined
by unwritten lines
left on every map

if education truly is
the lighting of a fire
why does the fuel
have to be a cross