Rise

Masks of smiles
False kind words and empty promises
Back behind crossed fingers
Like snakes
 
Like archers waiting in the trees
Launching coward shot arrows
That pierce the heart and leave no blood
Yet greater wounds that do not bleed
 
The energy that pulsates through
Each word  
Each shot
Each poison laugh touching me, and spears my heat anew
 
But to hide behind a mask
No, I wear it like a badge
This pain never understand unless you've felt
The searing arrows and bloodless wounds
 
So raise your fists to the sky
Throw down your bows
Unnotch your arrows and think twice
Before you fire
Arrows once launched cannot be unshot
 
So raise your voice
Step out of the bushes where you hide and wait
Stand up and join us
The scorned, the wounded, for we are weary
 
How long must we scream out
How long must children slaughter each other in the schoolroom?
How long until you realize you are the problem
How long before you see!?
How long, before you throw down your weapons, stand up, and care!
 
How long until you stand by us?
How long?
We wait for you with fists raised high
We forgive and welcome, so come, wait no longer.
 
Join!