today is not the day to
stand down
today is not the day to
take cover
today is not the day to
fall back
today is the day to
rise up
today is the day to
fight back
for our sisters
persecuted
proclaimed
beautiful
for the people
undone for being
themselves
and the love they feel
for the dreamers
who will not be silenced
the most American of
all of us
for anyone
oppressed
deprived
unable to see
the love through
the haze of fear
yes, there will be a day to
stand down
there will be a day to
fall back
but that day will only come when
the battlefield is
a sanctuary
the fire
a field of wildflowers
and the enemy
is walking home with us
hand in hand
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
7