A Poem
By LAILA SWINGLE
Love,
he had for his black and white brothers.
Love sounds like singing.
Love does not sound like chains or slaves crying.
But like people chained together with black and white hands.
And people crying for happiness.
Crying out:
“Free at last. Free at last.
Thank God Almighty
I am free at last.”
Laila Swingle is a fourth grader at Beverly J. Martin Elementary in Ithaca, New York

- PHOTO: Library of Congress

What a beautiful poem. I’m so glad to see it published.
To see such scope and depth of love and inclusiveness from a young child is a beautiful thing. I am proud of Laila. She is a talented girl.
A powerful and inspiring poem. It makes me sad that there are still slaves crying in this world. I hope one day soon they get to know love and freedom too. Great job, Laila!
Laila is a wonderful writer with great insight.. She is very inspirational and sends a beautiful message of love and peace. Perhaps that’s not surprising, since years ago I had her Mom as my student. Keep it up, Laila!
that’s my niece!! =:-D you go, girl!
love,
auntie shereen
Laila,
You have an understanding of history way beyond your years. When I was a few years older than you I saw a program called “Eyes on the Prize” and I recommend it to you also. I hope you share you insight with your peers!
we are looking to trade methods with other folks, why not shoot me an email if interested.
Perfectly composed subject matter, thanks for entropy.
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