They rise on Our name
climb the syllables of it,
gain access.
They rise on Our name
borrow Our hurt, performance primed.
They rise on Our name pin Our words neatly at the collar, costumed.
They rise on Our name learn Our stories for their speeches.
They rise on Our name steal Our songs for their soundtrack.
They rise on Our name
Our survival becomes their seminar.
They rise on Our name
Our dead become their footnotes.
They rise on Our name polish it, a mirror reflecting Their own image
WE rise not as your lesson, not as your ladder, not as a caption under borrowed light.
WE rise with names intact, with mouths unmuted, a fierce inheritance, not your evidence.
WE rise, WE rise, WE rise
WE do not thank the hand that finally moved
WE rise, WE rise, WE rise