My wife Martha and I went to the Women’s March in Washington on Saturday, January 21, 2017. (See the photo below.) I found the atmosphere to be electric – simultaneously disruptive and reassuring. (And yes, Mr. Trump, the crowd on Saturday was bigger than the inauguration crowd the day before!) I was reminded of the many times that Americans have headed for the streets to gather as allies, to call for justice, to make democracy a reality. Regardless of how you assess the present, reestablishing a measure of balance is going to “take more than just one protest.”
I had no preconceptions when I started writing what this would sound like; it begged to be a rhythm and blues song complete with horn section.
© 2017 Steven E. Cutts
a Studio C recording, February 2017
It was time again for marching, time for speaking truth to power;
Demonstrators filling up the streets hour after hour.
It was time again to bear witness, to raise concerns and sound alarms;
Half a million kindred spirits linking arm to arm.
To show up, to draw attention, many traveled through the night –
To stand and to be counted, to stake a claim for all our rights.
Time for marching!
Women called for “Bread & Roses” in the Lawrence strike of 1912 –
Union workers side by side to protect themselves.
And women at the White House calling for the right to vote –
Sentinels at the gates and unafraid to rock the boat.
Selma to Montgomery – D.C. Dream March ’63 –
It took Kent State, Free Speech in Berkley, to make a dent in history.
Time for marching!
It will take more than just one protest. March until your battle’s won!
Wrap your anger inside a slogan: “Love, don’t hate!” “Keep the faith.” “We shall overcome!”
Time for marching!
Performing "Time Again For Marching" at The Holton-Arms School March 2018