PICAYUNE —
It’s been a long time since I wrote this poem on April 4, 1968, I was filled with emotion over the shocking occurrence. And, of course, all has been settled since then. However, some of the expressions of anxiety expressed in this poem are still pertinent today. The fear of violence, misuse of weapons, crime and the disrespect of laws of our nation are pitifully still real among us.
While the work of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., has led to fairer treatment of minorities, the elderly, women, the physically handicapped, children and the mentally challenged in both civil and social situations, his message of peace, non-violence and adherence to the law is being ignored in America and indeed other countries of the world as well.
Many are working to protect children from abuse, free women from oppression and speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. Still, there is so much more to be remembered of the words of this man. He did not only speak for racial equality but also for peaceful resolutions of problems and non-violence toward each other.
He was the man of God who loved his country and wanted the best for humanity in general. I do believe the crime and violence in America today shows little effort in bringing his intentions to reality.
No one should need to be afraid to go to work, to school or an evening’s outing if we all take proper responsibility for the use of our possessions and the people around us.
We can all be called “An Apostle of Peace.”
Lynne Adams Barze’ — Feb. 13, 2013
Well now I hope they’re satisfied;
I hope they realize what they have done.
They’ve killed a man who was good for all.
A man who sought change through peace, rather than a gun.
You’d think they’d know we’ve troubles enough
with our country at its present state.
There’s chaos present with political affairs,
and communists knocking at every gate.
I guess they thought they were ending something;
doing a dreadful deed that would set back the cause.
But all they did was destroy God’s worker
and help put into effect the violence clause.
Now this man they killed loved his people,
and he loved his country all the same.
He worked for the good and success of both,
not just to gain headlines and selfish fame.
But the killer of this man will not go unharmed;
he won’t have time to look back and feast.
God is just and will not let rest
the slayer of “The Apostle of Peace.”
Lynne Adams — April 4, 1968
Features
The Apostle of Peace
Picayune Writer's Corner
- Features
-
-
southern gardening
Every spring the home gardener is bombarded with new and improved petunias for the garden and landscape, making it hard to decide which to bring home from the garden center. In my opinion, you simply can’t go wrong selecting any of the Supertunias.
-
arboretum paths
Spring is now in full swing at the Crosby Arboretum, and the show is well on its way toward a crescendo. The blooms of native purple Iris can be seen along the edge of the Piney Woods pond, pink “honeysuckle” azalea is flowering near the Pinecote Pavilion, and the yellow blooms of the pitcher plants — called “buttercups” by local residents — are beginning to carpet the south Savanna Exhibit.
-
USM set to host Children’s Book Festival
One of the most anticipated events celebrating children’s literature, the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival at The University of Southern Mississippi, will be held April 10-12 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus.
-
Amber Bounds breaks six-year-old state swimming record
The Southern MS Aquatic Club (Mantarays) participated in the Santa’s Best Swim Invitational in Biloxi Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The Mantarays finished 6th out of 22 teams competing from LA, AL, FL, and MS.
-
Capitol Pages
Jonathan Fail of Picayune, and Lorrie Warren of Poplarville recently served as pages for the Mississippi Senate.
-
Yellow jasmine brightens yards
According to the calendar, we are just a few days away from the official start of the spring season. But if you have been watching the garden and landscape like I have, you’ve seen signs of spring for at least several weeks. The plants are starting to wake up.
-
Native blooms abound at the Arboretum’s spring plant sale
The long-awaited weekend is upon us – that time which comes but once a year. Yes, it’s the Crosby Arboretum’s spring native plant sale.
-
Welcome Center celebrates arts and literature in March
The Mississippi Development Authority, Division of Tourism will be celebrating “Arts and Literature” during the month of March. Each of the Welcome Centers will be decorated differently for this celebration.
-
Lamont Rowlands house important to historical heritage
Pat Crosby first moved to the Lamont Rowlands house in 1992.
Although she found the home in disrepair, she couldn’t imagine not living there and knew that was her new home.
“It just spoke to me, and it still does,” said Crosby, the wife of the late Tommy Crosby, son of R.H. Crosby. Tommy Crosby completely renovated the home and grounds. -
Pearl River County Arts League Art Show and Sale
Pearl River County Arts League Art Show and Sale will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 24, from noon till 4 p.m. at The Knights of Columbus Hall, 408 Carroll Drive. The show is open to all artists and admission is free to the public.
- More Features Headlines
-
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
