Description
There comes a time when it is no longer appropriate to stay silent. This piece channels the courage and strength needed to speak out against injustice.
Performed by Geneseo Chamber Singers Gerard Floriano, conductor
Text
Speak up, talk it out.
Give voice to your pain
and say it out loud.
Call out the oppressor.
If you cannot summon
your strength,
trust someone.
Allow them to lead
the way out.
Don’t let hope make you stay
in a soul-wrenching place
nor allow anyone
to invalidate you.
~ Michelle G. Stradford (p. 52)
Even the strongest voice
can be misdirected,
persuaded to abandon reason,
ditch deep-rooted beliefs,
doubt their prowess,
themselves,
and join the chorus of lies
that drum loudest.
project your voice,
stand guard of your
conviction.
Voice Your Conviction
~ Michelle G. Stradford (p. 36)
Both poems are from I’m Rising, published in 2019. Used with permission.