Stand Up
Today I heard a woman crying in the streets
She was bruised, weakened, and on her knees
“My sisters” she choked out
“Help stop this violence, today
“Love me” she whimpered
“Because by doing so, you love yourselves”
“Protect me” she moaned as she slowly stood
“For when you stand up for me
You stand for all"
LOLA
I was never what you expected. You told me so
I was not like your “others,” Blonde and blue-eyed. You told me so
Your sorrow filled my life, but could not drown me
I fought and kicked begging you to see me
You only saw yourself, in my eyes, my hair, and face
You looked and hated what you saw
So, every flaw was magnified whether it existed or not
I knew who you really hated; it did not hurt any less
As a child I hid, and you did not try to find me
As an adult I ran, but you did not try to catch me
So, I lived, as though you no longer were alive, but you were
You lived as though I had abandoned you, I did not, I saved myself
In the end, on your deathbed, when faces no longer meant anything to you
Surrounded by your “others” and me, you looked and saw no one you knew
As you searched the room our eyes locked, you stared and nodded a final goodbye
To the only face you recognized, the only face that looked just like you
Fort Hood
OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE, Fort Hood
IN THE DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT, Fort Hood
I stand in solidarity with the people of this beautiful land
I stand and honor those who fell
Those who were sacrificed for no reason
WHAT SO PROUDLY WE HAIL’D, Fort Hood
I stand small and brown against the red and blue horizon
Watching our flag at half-mast
WHOSE BROAD STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS, Fort Hood
I kneel and pray for those who lost their first child, their first loves
Lives volunteered for love of country
Lives rubbed out at their own countrymen’s hands
OH SAY, Fort Hood, I can see
