Civil Rights are dead
They've been dead ever since
We let fear
Guide what we might hear

Since we ignored the cries
Of the suffering and oppressed
So we might listen to the lies
Of the kings who suppressed
Those who might fight
For their rights
And will sooner be buried
Than see themselves married.

And why I might ask?
Because we fear reprisal?
Because we're not up to the task?
Because we fear forces hostile?

Did Martin Luther King fear?
At racists' threats and jeers?
Did Rosa Parks fear?
When she refused to cohere?
And inspired Freedom Rides
To open up the tides
Of freedom and equality
For all men and in all cities.

The fight for black rights has ended.
And it has not yet vanished.
We shall fight so that all men are equal.
And gay marriage is civil rights' sequel.
Civil Rights is dead.
Long live Civil Rights.