Stand Up

For the first two years of our life

For the first two years of our life We were taught to speak

For the first two years of our life We were taught to walk

For the first two years of our life We were taught to stand up

For the first two years of our life We were taught to feel special

But here’s what I don’t understand

For the next 16+ years of our life We’re taught to sit down

For the next 16+ years of our life We’re taught to shut up

For the next 16+ years of our life We’re taught to blend in

For the next 16+ years of our life We’re taught to be silent unless needed

Those who stay silent may have it easier Those who stand up and make their voices heard may be punished

Those who stay silent may have it easier Those who stand up and make their voices heard may be ridiculed

Those who stay silent may have it easier Those who stand up and make their voices heard may be looked down upon

“Be quiet, can’t you learn to keep your thoughts to yourself?”

“Just write it down and throw it away or something, there’s no need for you keep going on like that.”

Here’s some advice: STAND UP

Here’s some advice: TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT

Here’s some advice: DON’T LET PEOPLE TELL YOU TO SHUT UP

So what if you get in trouble, at least you got your voice out there

At least you stood up.

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich