I Shall Speak

Confined to my baby-cot

Thought to be asleep

I practice the word “Mommy”

And then I repeat

For in the morning when I wake

To my mother I shall speak

**

Racked with anticipation

As I sit there passive – meek

Listening to my viewpoints scorned

Week after week

But when discussion time next arrives

In English class, my opinions I shall speak

**

Demands on workers made

Management thinks us weak

Unreasonable conditions new

As more profits corporate seeks

But it shall not be at our expense

For as a united voice for all – to management I shall speak

**

When society has begun to shred

And corruption in high places is at its peak

When journalists are shut down

When it is only truth they speak

Then I will again make my stand

And for the public, I shall speak

---

Padre