[kennyc]

Let's try this one again. An attempt at a re-write:


Nine Little Rocks

They were the nine: Ernest, Gloria,
Carlotta, Jefferson, Elizabeth, Thelma,
Terrance, Minnijean, and Melba by name.

The weight of the negro race
sat uneasily upon their shoulders as they
climbed the steps of Central High
that pregnant day in 1957.

The violent crowd and the threats
brought them swiftly thorough the
school and to the rear doors where
they were whisked away
and that was the first day.

The second day, less protest but
never would it end. The nine were
cursed at, spit upon and tormented
by their white classmates and the
public alike.

The courage it must have taken
to come back day after day.
To do the school work, to
face the day, every day
knowing they were not
wanted.

Still, they persevered
Ernest graduated
the others followed and
more behind - moving
slowly, painfully
from the days of evil
to the days of hope.


Kenny A. Chaffin - 10/18/2010