People with a Voice

All you people out there with a voice
You have a choice
Speak up
Or sit down!

In this world of instant communication we can connect with the nation,
but rather than connecting we’re deflecting for the tough calls,
burning bridges and building walls.
Polarized across the divide,
we cried out with supporters without listening to reporters.
They sensationalize the news,
and we remain glued to the TV.
Not me,
I’m not to blame.
When words take aim we speak through question marks
and ignore homeless in parks
because they’re responsible for their misery, not me.
I’m just doing my thing,
I’ll wing it and obfuscate the debate.
But at the end of class I’ll get off my ass, only to sit down again.
Why is it so hard to pen a letter but easy to claim we want better?
Americans idle and vote for idols while ignoring the other side
I’ll stop and look but you’re pounding on the book and not reading the rest.
Save the best conviction for the least guided opinion,
you’re a minion to anyone who inspires.
And there’s a reason your mind is on fire,
a destructive mess that you let get the best of you

And all you people out there with a voice,
You have a choice
Speak up
Or sit down
Stop clowning around!
Your mind’s been lost, go get found.
Find a sense of pride in yourself.
Reason with your mind,
or play treason to the kind of dreams you used to embrace.
Stand up, face yourself.
Cuz if you speak with conviction and diction you might be heard,
and for once use your words in a way that’s not absurd.
Allow clarity to seep in,
don’t glare at me or weep when you don’t get your way.
Be productive, constructive and use criticism as a guide.
Don’t hide in assumption.
Use your gumption as a road map and a way to get back to the heart of the matter.
Food for thought might make you fatter,
but feast on it and then read some literature and see what you find,
you just might toe the line

And all you people out there with a voice
You have a choice:
Speak up
Or Sit Down

And if you reach again for the chair, don’t be surprised when others stare.
Now is the time you need to care,
Lay out your opinions and bare the burden
Get a word in edgewise and even if you despise the man speaking back
LISTEN
Now’s the time to debate, not attack.
Don’t shoot your mouth off.
Just clear your throat, cough, get the audience’s attention and mention this

You are person with a voice
who made a choice
and it’s too late to sit down

Stand tall and approach the mic
Like it or not, it’s time to speak up.