speak sing roar wail dare
holy voice sparks to soul and rings out things no longer to be left unsaid
you can use this magnificent tool you’re so blessed to wield
with intention, and the urgency upon which these times insist
you can bellow your unyielding no to what violates values so basic and true
a heavy persistent percussion beating into ground a better new way that cannot be left to others to pave
this work is yours and mine and it’s so long overdue
so let’s do it
yes… there’s so much to it
real education takes time, as does processing what you learn
so make it
commit to it, and as you continue to know new betters
keep letting Maya Angelou’s ever wise words guide you to, in fact, do better
and in the meantime, use your voice to champion what you DO know
along with your no, unleash your wholehearted yes
in delicious, unapologetic melody that cannot help but reverberate in the hearts and cells of those within range
take your stand in sand you pack into solid ground
tend to yourself and your tender, tired soul and if you must, choose a stretch of silence to that healing end
but please don’t let your silence be chosen FOR you —
not by bully behavior, bravado, intimidation or threat
not by hopelessness, fatigue, or astonishment
not by fear or anger or self-consciousness or shame
or the small wounded part of you that needs to keep the peace and please
you are here, you have a voice and it is glorious
may you find it, honor it, embrace it and USE it
and keep acting on what it seeks to say
yes yes yes yes yes