The president has thus disclosed <br />In words his noblest plan: <br />'The door of hope shall not be closed <br />Upon the Negro man. <br /> <br />'His opportunities must be <br />With other men's the same; <br />As nation's chief I will not see <br />Him forced in ways of shame.' <br /> <br />Official work he'd scarce begun <br />When from his lips did fall, <br />'A special right I give to none, <br />But equal rights to all. <br /> <br />'Square dealing for the soldiers true, <br />Who made this country grand; <br />But more than this no man is due, <br />And none shall less demand. <br /> <br />'I'm president of all the land,' <br />The broiling South was told. <br />'For truth and fight I mean to stand, <br />Such policy I hold.' <br /> <br />When urged to crush the Negro race, <br />He answered with a zest, <br />'All men of worth shall have a place, <br />True manhood is the test. <br /> <br />''Tis better all the people up, <br />Than keep a portion down, <br />You need, my friends, a loving cup, <br />Your prejudice to drown. <br /> <br />'The doors of hope are open wide <br />To all within the land, <br />With God forever on our side, <br />This sentiment will stand.' <br /> <br />With spinal column stout and strong, <br />With arm that's made of steel, <br />He crushes prejudice and wrong, <br />And makes the demons reel. <br /> <br />To heal the nation's open sore <br />Of hatred for a race, <br />He wider swings the open door, <br />And bares the monsters face. <br /> <br />No president could stem the tide <br />Of opposition blind, <br />Since Lincoln for the Negro died, <br />Till Roosevelt we find. <br /> <br />Long may he live to bless the land <br />With truth and liberty, <br />Who for the right will take a stand <br />And set a nation free. <br /> <br />Then Roosevelt for nineteen four <br />Our president should be, <br />Who gives to all an open door <br />Of opportunity.<br /><br />Lizelia Augusta Jenkins Moorer<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-door-of-hope/
