I've never been one to 'hem and haw,' 'beat around the bush,' etc. so it should come as no surprise that one of my 'heroes' was Rosa Parks. Her spunk inspired me, strengthened my reserve, when (in the 3rd grade at age 9) my hearing impairment (born with congenital, progressive nerve deafness) was finally diagnosed. The school INSISTED I be moved to the Kennedy School for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired! Mom and I agreed that if I'd passed for normal, was in the top ten in my class, WHY did I now have to move? I refused and, thus, became the first hearing-impaired child to integrate the public schools in Ohio. Just like Rosa, I stood my ground!
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Proud to call her ‘my friend,’
she’s traveled ‘round the bend.
No more on earth mends, fends,
for her faith, pride, friends, race.
Rosa Parks wouldn’t move
to the back, give her place
to a white, had such grace.

Proudly see eye-to-eye
when my school bid me ‘bye.’
Didn’t leave … no, not ‘I.’
I admit ears can’t hear—
but I’m in the top ten;
I have ‘passed.’ My path clear.
By a tree ‘stoned’ … oh, dear.

Proud to be me (though poor)
I’ve been pushed. Push no more!
Survival is a chore
for many … how we’re born.
We offer no excuse--
silently toot our horn.
Don’t look at us with scorn!

God gave Rosa a seat
sublime … she’s old, past prime.
Her resolve now complete—
broke ‘white’ rules. Death with grace …
well respected and loved …
she lived well, earned her place
smiling; looks on His face.