We Will Rise

We will rise

We will rise

Stronger and wiser

Braver and more prepared

Kinder and more considerate

We will rise

Less concerned about what we have personally

Focusing on what we can do together

To be better

We will rise

After wondering if we ever will

After sleepless night

After longing for connection

We will rise

Above our self absorption

Feeling satisfied with less

Knowing ourselves more honestly

We will rise

After the kicking and screaming

After the name calling

After the blaming and finger pointing

We will rise

After our moment as sheep

When the conspiracy theories have quieted

When we really listen

We will rise

When we remember to celebrate each other

When we value community and love above being right

When we stop accusing and ridiculing

We will rise

When we see each other as equal

When we stop standing in our egos accusing others of slumbering

When we become cheerleaders rather than bullies

We will rise

When our moments together are seen as precious

When we remember how to be self sufficient

When the earth is cherished and not devoured

We will rise

When we recognize the glory in creation

In our planet

In each other and ourselves

We will rise

When little girls dance while their father and brothers play on

When celebrities become people to us again

When creativity pours from dry wells

We will rise

When our songs ring out

In every voice and tongue

In every laughter and tear

We will rise

As we relearn ways of old

When we learn to long for our elders and their wisdom

When we rediscover sacred paths

We will rise

As we feel dirt in our hands planting gardens

As we deliver wine ninja gifts to friends

As we get lost in conversations with each other

We will rise

As we recognize the not so pretty sides of ourselves

As we struggle to find sense in it all

As we care for ourselves and others through this time

We will rise

Bit by bit

Piece by piece

Moment by moment

We will rise

Wondering how we ever lasted the way we used to be

Surprised by how short the time really was to get here

Grateful for fresh mercies and hope

We will rise

Changed and new

Reorganized and rejuvenated

With a perspective not previously held

We will rise

Full of understanding

Reminded that history is now

To those who will come after us

We will rise

With less answers and more questions

With a willingness to truly stop and pay attention

With an ability to quiet the rebuttals in our minds as others speak

We will rise

When we understand truly the words of Solomon Burke

Knowing deeply that none of us are free

Not when even one of us is chained

We will rise

When the grief of others is something we are willing to carry

When the lack so many experience creates hunger in our hearts

When a wrong against one feels personal to all

We will rise

As we learn to respect the right to opposing ideas

As we find ways to protect those who cannot do that for themselves

As we have give space for new ways that we do not yet understand

We will rise

In the handmade greeting cards delivered to care homes

In the baked goods shared with friends

In the zoom happy hours keeping us connected

We will rise

In the social distance walks

In the across the fence talks

In game nights when the tv is off

We will rise

After Binge watching on Netflix

After rearranging furniture, yet again

After learning new recipes and languages and instruments

We will rise

After projects

After collaborations

After remembering how to dream

We will rise

Realizing that being together, is better

Realizing that if it isn’t, maybe we need some help to change that

Realizing that family and community are important resources and supports

We will rise

After 7 pm thank yous

Banging pots and honking horns

Our hearts full of appreciation and feeling united

We will rise

Through drive by birthday parties

Lists of favourite books and bands and albums

Painting rocks and refurbishing old furniture

We will rise

Stress eating

Feeling exhausted down deep to the bone

Visited by fears we thought were long gone

We will rise

With some uncertainty

With some goals and plans and dreams

With new understanding for what is truly important

We will rise

Remembering the beauty in a sunrise

The delight in a moment

The purity in honouring               

We will rise

Beyond illusions

Beyond entitlement

Beyond Insecurities

We will rise

Able

Content

Intentional

We will rise

Standing

Soaring

Strong

We will rise

Having hope for tomorrow

Making the decision to move forward

Finding our way through

We will rise

A new day is coming

Hold fast

Stay true

We will rise

We will rise

We will rise

May 19, 2020

Ali Perry-Davies