Barbara Jordan

There is something auspicious
about sitting near
the Barbara Jordan statue
under the shady trees
on the campus
of University of Texas

her hands are on her hips.
i overhear
'you know she don't take no truck
from nobody'
and you can tell
that's truth
by her sturdy stance

she looks calm though
kindly
and wise as can be
and her words
on the plaque
burn like starlight
promise
my liberty
my rights
my equality
and yours too

i tremble
just a little
as i walk near -
her faith, hope and charity
that confident
that present.
i walk away
in sweet air uplifted
her devotion to right
not wrong
that eternal