I have a dream that our fight for civil rights will not end in sleepless nights,

a fantasy that we can live in harmony with equality

acting as the bridge that connects you and me.

I dream of unity between man, woman and beast instead of

the hatred that manifests as violence erupting in the streets and under the sheets.

My reverie has been interrupted by the greed

that oppresses and hides in deceit filled fleets.

One ship prepared for battle and another for war,

as our chests heave with anger

until we have all become casualties of the rich,

though we remain poor.

This eye for an eye ideology has made the world blind,

forgiveness unheard of in a world where love has been left behind.

I had a dream that justice was real, that our hearts would stay open,

instead our blood has congealed.

Humanity, the only race, instead of

socially constructed labels we were assigned to keep us in our right place.

I have a dream one day man will be judged not by the colour of his skin

but by the content of his character;

loved for what was within and not just based on melanin.

I still believe in my dream, we have not fallen so far from grace that we cannot be saved.

My dream may one day still be a reality,

to lose faith in love would be like succumbing to insanity.

I have a dream thanks to a King who was dethroned by bigotry,

but whose legacy has paved the way for a boy like me to dare to even dream.