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.
