Editor’s note: Leonard A. Slade Jr., professor emeritus of the University at Albany, SUNY Citizen Academic Laureate, and Collins Fellow, has written more than 20 books of poetry.

The last poem he wrote for The Enterprise, “My Mother,” was to honor his mother and all mothers, and was published on Mother’s Day last year.

He wrote this poem to honor Alice Green, an activist and author, who founded and directed the Center for Law and Justice in Albany. She died unexpectedly at the age of 84 when her heart stopped on Aug. 20.
 

In Memory of Dr. Alice Green

By Leonard A. Slade Jr.

What miss our Dr. Alice Green for her work

The labor for justice and freedom for all?

Or that her sacred labors should be remembered

Dear colleague known, great activist of fame

What need you witness of your name?

You in your sweat and fight and tears

Have worked yourself for many years

Touched our hearts to fight the good fight

Keep our commitment to make things right

Rest in Glory with queens and kings

We shall never forget all your things

Pray for all that you left behind

That we shall work for everything Divine.