Extinct is the African King
who began history
tended the garden
named the beasts
survived the flood
built the pyramids
and crossed the nile.

Extinct is the African King
who treasured his Queen
adorned her in jewels
draped her in silk
washed her in honey
praised her beauty
absorbed her strength
and loved their unity.

Extinct is the African King
who lead his people
by any means necessary
to the mountain top
from shackles, chains
and cotton fields
through Jim Crow
and Civil Rights.

Extinct is the African King
who cherished his family
raised his children
walked with confidence
spoke only the truth
praised his Creator
and protected his community.

Extinct is the African King
who was only imprisoned
for fighting for justice
refused to be second class
destroyed hatred with love
breathed an air of power
that came from within.

Extinct is the African King
who honored his freedom
broke the chain of violence
worked hard to provide
for his Queen and children
connected to the spirituality
of his ancestors that died
so that he could pass it on.