Weep Not Angels for We Listened to James
James Weldon Johnson
Jacksonville, June 17, 1871
the day angels smiled
from the heavens above
down upon this earth below.
From time to time you see
history and mankind are blessed
with a future leader.
A leader who in time would be
guided by tenacious determination
education molded by faith and love.
Go forth and seek true peace
Kismet, to fulfill your destiny
Your eyes would be
etched by the unnecessary
ignorant hate of a prejudice country
and the violent unjust world before you.
How does one react to this blind hate.
And true to your faith you would be.
The essence of a peacemaker
is found on the road to Jericho.
History shows your words and deeds
answered the parable question
Your deeds, your teachings
forever remembered here
Where trombones called you
to this nestled cabin
By this babbling Berkshire brook
ideas would flow with heavenly Grace
pen to paper for eternity.
Weep not angels for we listened to James.
— Tom Warner