Rise, he said, and straddle that horse
That threw you to the earth
Falling from the saddle, of course
Doesn’t measure your true worth.
You’re not the first, won’t be the last
To meet with harsh reversal
Your bumps and bruises, once they’re past
Are just part of life’s rehearsal.
Rise, he said, and face the ones
Who knocked you to the ground
Bullies think they’re mighty tough
If they can keep you down.
But oppressors really fear you
For in your eyes they see
Potential rising through you
Beyond all that they can be.
Rise, she said, and don’t think twice
Just tell him you won’t take it
You deserve to have a good life
And you shouldn’t have to fake it.
If you settle for someone
Who treats you no better than dirt
Neither your daughters nor sons
Will ever escape the hurt.
Rise, they said, and boldly speak
Truth to power when you must
If fairness is what you seek
You must stand for what is just.
And when they change the rules
To take away your rights
Show up at the polls
And show them your true might.
Rise? Okay, I’m going to rise
Dust off the seat of my pants
I’ll lift my head up to the skies
And give myself a chance.
Garry Breland 