Rise

We must rise above the violence of late,

return to the peace we once knew

while turning our backs to the anger and hate.

Too long we’ve left destiny in hands of fate

now the world’s upside-down and  askew—

we must rise above all the violence of late.

And shelter ourselves from the thoughts that negate

as we keep open minds to the truth

while turning our backs to the anger and hate.

Disparager’s words paralyze; suffocate,

and ignorance needs no excuse—

we must rise above the violence of late.

The angry man bellows with words that berate

yet we can stand firm and refuse,

while turning our backs to the anger and hate.

Fear breeds more fear, but love liberates

and we are so long overdue…

we must rise above the violence of late

while turning our backs to the anger and hate.

Ginny Brannan 2018

Image by Author. Near Harwichport,  Cape Cod MA 2016