I fought

to affirm my worth to the world

only to be defeated each time

I struggled

to keep pace with the world

only to be wounded each time

I voiced

against prejudice by the world

only to be ridiculed each time

Yet

I rose

to proclaim my existence each time

I challenged

the provocateurs of inequity each time

I refused

to be captivated by the tenets of the world

I dissented

to concede to the atrocities of time

I denied

to step back to give way to the crime

so, I rise again

I fight again

I struggle again

I voice again

to spread my wings

to perceive liberty

to reach the stars

once in a lifetime!