Power

A poem can't encapsulate the thought

Of millions pressed together, suffering,

Or in defiance of oppression bring

Forbidden words to those who would be taught;

It cannot raise up those who have been shot

And let them walk again, it cannot sing

For those whose mouths are silenced, or give wing

To birds whose flight is caged. It is not

A panacea; but it can bring out

The better parts of us, so that we all

Will be the people that we ought to be;

It can bring courage in the face of doubt,

And may remind us, that although we fall,

We must stand up so others can be free.