I look back to the past from which I
came
Remembering the sadness, heartaches
and pain.
Remembering words that my ancestors
spoke
And songs that once filled our hearts
with hope.
Remembering dreams of a brighter day
Where my skies were blue instead of
gray.
Trying to learn to read and write
In secret, at night, by candle light.
We've marched out of the darkness and
into the light
Now it seems that my people have forgotten
the fight.

Barbara Langford

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/memories-of-the-past-3/