Emperor Haile Selassie

On Liberation Day, May 5, 1966

That he is human . . . and living . . .
And of our time . . .
Makes it seem a miracle
All the more sublime
That he becomes a symbol
Of our Negritude,
Our dignity . . . and food
On which men who are neither
King of Kings nor Lions of Judah
Yet may feel their pride . . .
And live to hope for that great day
When all mankind is one
And each king in common
Of all his eyes survey,
And each man shares
The strength derived from head held high . . .
And holds his head, King of Kings . . .
Our symbol of a dream
That will not die.