We Do (Ode to Ed Bradley of CBS News)

When the news broke
and the pictures flicked
we saw the bloke
who the weary picked
When your story broke
and the pictures peaked
we had the news
which our hearts broke

Pray, at such an age
you’ve played the stage
Pray, on such odd day
we have no say
If a nation mourns
as sure we do
it brings no news
to you
If a people race
to match the pace
it brings real space
to you
If the world stops
to ask anew
it task new sweat
of you

Did we learn as we earn
We did…we do
Did we see as we’re seen
We did…we do
Do we wish that you know
We did...we do
Pray, Ed, how sure ya place
For you did the deeds
not just the deals
And brought much grace
our race…each race

Work as work
Play as play
All in grace...with grace
But the news this day
be not your pace
It is ya place
You brought the news
despite the face
You bought da team
in spite of steam
As all attest, dear soulful soul:
You beamed it all
You rolled the reams
and got teem souls
to roll, and rock

Oh, and that laughter!
It will melt as it felt
It will ring as we sing
It rang and sang
with bang and tang
Those moments damn torments
Those currents…rich comments
They be the memories
we hold
They creamed the torrent
and greased the monument
you are
Though from the cold
you made the fold
Now the world behold
the gold
No matter
For you were just Ed…
Ed Bradley. No more

Did we wish you know
Pray, yes
Did we do your wish
Pray, ask
Will we hold the word
despite discord
Hmm…tough task
But, pray yes…we will
For you were just Ed
Asking no more
And we be nowhere nearer
a fold, unless…until
we smash the mold –
unspoken code
Goodnight, Ed, take a bow
Have ya rest, ya peace deserved
As you remain Ed…
Ed Bradley. No more

This is my humble tribute to Ed Bradley 1941-2006, of CBS News, who did so much to inspire Blacks and other minorities in Broadcast Journalism.

Ed has learned and earned. Thank God!