APATHY TO ACTION (I RISE)

I wake in the morning to start a new day. Sit up in bed, tie my shoes. Walk away. Anxious and ready to have my say that I don't care.

Some trivial things have entered my head There's nothing more, it's all been said. Maybe I should just go back to bed because I don't care.

Into morning chaos I'm hurled. Those daily events are glaring, unfurled. Under covers I should have stayed curled. I don't want to care.

Out walking along the wide busy street I pass many people — I don't want to meet! I keep my head down. Look at my feet. I really don't care.

Turn on the news, there're things to be knowing.

I see bullets flying, fire bombs exploding. Feel tugs at my heart, could it be growing? Maybe I should care.

Before my eyes there's trouble a 'brewing. Ideals are shattered, people are stewing. Many lives lost — will be our undoing. Maybe I could care.

I hear “I can't breathe!” from a Black man who's dying. Burning the flag, the people are crying. Surrounded by death from a virus defying. Yes, I can care.

I'm feeling my temperature climb, watch it rise!

I shake my hands free from these fetters, these ties to ignoring the plight. I uprise, realize. Yes, I do care!

Across all the nation a wave of protest! There's striving, upheaval, frustration, unrest.

I pray for equality, justice expressed! Yes, I do care!

Now back in my bed-dear God let me sleep. A day of emotions so cutting, so deep! I've got to take action. I'm taking a leap-showing I care.