I don’t know how to help
But I care so fucking deep
I don’t know what to say
But I will not stay asleep
If you could feel what’s in my heart
And the pain that runs so far
You’ll see there is a scar
That I bare for you my dear
For every threat and wound
You ever had to fear
For every freedom robbed
And admonished in defeat
For every tear you shed
Or that rocked you back and forth
Every curl of hair
And every field and crop
So now let’s begin the warning
To those who do oppress
Let us start the warring
Through thought and word and press
Let us rise in story
To heal and weep and mend
Collectively I’m pouring
My deepest hands to lend
I cannot stand the pain
You suffered in our hands
Every strain and drain
And shackle in the sand
Every silenced muffle
A voice that’s never heard
Every scream and shuffle
That makes the boil curd
Don’t resist me now
As I reach out my hand
Don’t turn away the vow
I offer through this land
With every deep apology
Let there be the action
Insufficient words
Yield only reaction
There will not be a ribbon
To tie this up in bows
There will not be submission
Or relieving of the woes
I stand with you and before you
Uncertain where to step
But Lord knows what I offer
And how I do regret.
– C.R. Haddad