Federico Beckmann has been a teacher at East San José Elementary in Albuquerque for many years. He says celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday means a lot for everyone in the school. He wrote this poem in Dr. King's honor :
Where Is My Dream? By Federico Beckmann January 16,2017 Hunger, pain, discomfort and exhaustion, Rejection, isolation, worry, fear and crime. Anger, frustration, exclusion and rejection. Abuse and insecurity haunt me all the time. Illnesses, crowding and family stress Sleeping on hard floors, unexpected guests. Arguing, fighting, trembling and fright. Cold, rats and roaches wait for me at night. Only an education can give me a real voice Truth’s always louder than meaningless noise Denouncing unfairness I need to be bold Never using violence ‘cause peace is like gold. Injustices, prejudice, hate, discrimination. Evils that prowl and injure this great nation Divisive rhetoric producing alienation We traded role models, for blatant aberrations. My teachers will stand up if someone is mistreated Their hearts with compassion not easily defeated We are never going back mistakes won’t be repeated We shall overcome. We will not be maltreated. The counterfeit values of “justice” are out We must pay attention, denounce them and shout “The blood of our heroes did not run in vain. The chains of racism we will fight again.” Feelings of anxiety, with poor self-esteem Rejected, forbidden, not part of the team I wish he could hear me. I wish I could scream Your dream is in danger….. my Dear Dr. KING.
