My tinnitus was off the scale The day before you passed away I’d wanted, needed much to cry And having many reasons why A pregnant woman stoned to death You fought for freedom, took your rest Cain was marked for murdering Abel Where laws don’t protect, is love enabled? A little still bereft you’re gone Having never hung my arms around The head that inspired many to rise Above assaults, above hate crimes Your words encouraged folks to choose To wonder, teach, transcend the blues In language rich and movement tuned To grow in spirit great as you