I’ve only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, can’t refuse it,
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it,
But it’s up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it,
Give an account if I abuse it,
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.
-Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
The late Rep. Elijah Eugene Cummings recited this poem during his first day on the House floor on April 26, 1996.
On that day he said his mission is to empower people to realize the power is within them, that they too can do the things they want to do.
Thanks to Lester Holt for this insight into a great human being.