when silence breeds discontent and critics ensnare your feet in a morass of minutiae amplify your truth
when gossip makes a mischief of reality stand your ground command all energy toward positivity
never relent because others seek to mold you in their stale likeness never submit to quietude when you are gifted a poetic voice
It's your obligation to subjugate negation and contort vexation into your own narration toward personal salvation Your thoughts, your creation only your fingers, the translation
Never submit to false authority lies, malice do not signify you hold your head high Look to the stars and dream in words again
HP is a safe haven for poetry and creative expression, and we have a responsibility to protect this hallowed ground as a place to think, share, and dream. This poem is my pledge to remain true to our mission as poets. Never let others' opinions falsely define you. Dare to be authentically, unapologetically yourself.