Classic Poem

(At Booker Washington's grave)
Deep in Alabama earth
His buried body lies —
But higher than the singing pines
And taller than the skies
And out of Alabama earth
To all the world there goes
The truth a simple heart has held
And the strength a strong hand knows,
While over Alabama earth
These words are gently spoken:
Serve — and hate will die unborn.
Love — and chains are broken.