CIVIL RIGHTS POETRY

A Long Road to Equality

Cesar Chavez’s march to the state capital

The photo was taken in Santa Barbara by Mark Tulin

I walk with Cesar Chavez,
over the hills and past the seas,
through California vineyards,
strawberry fields
and orange groves.

I walk with 67 other migrant workers
to the state capital,
a journey on foot —
motivated by our poverty,
grit and determination —
we march over 340 miles.

My feet hurt,
my head spins
in dusty desolation.
I can barely move,
yet, I keep pace with our Mexican Gandhi —
to unionize farm workers,
to have peaceful demonstrations,
and raise the flag of dignity.

I may feel deprived now,
but my protests
will benefit millions —
based on a history
of justified disobedience,
from the messiah
up to the King.