Mockingbird

Atticus is gone
But the story lives on
Of Scout and Jim and Dill
Of the memories of youth
In a small southern town

Atticus is gone
But the lessons remain
Of reason and compassion
Of the fight against bigotry
In a small southern court room.

Atticus is gone
And he who was him
With gentleness and love
With steel and resolve
In a small southern town
In a small southern court


Bill – June 13, 2003

On the passing of Gregory Peck