Worthy
To the unseen trailblazers
who make their way
through uncharted territory
to break chains of abuse
that others claimed to never see,
who walk alone and hungry,
tired and broken at times,
you are worthy and courageous
and I see you
and I know your pain
of being shamed
when sharing truth,
of being outcast
and denied seats at tables
because you are blamed
and named and called untamed
and unworthy to be in the presence
of those who deem themselves better
and use their judgment as an excuse
to leave you alone and hungry and hurting
as you carry your children on your shoulders
to save them from the hate of the one
who wants you defeated and controlled,
but you rose up and spoke your “no”
and cleared a trail out of the horrors
of the life others said you deserved.
And by your strength,
a path has been cleared
that others can now see,
and a new hope
has risen in the souls
of those forgotten
in a world
that rests in comfort.
You are worthy,
wounded warrior
whose scars remind you
never to turn back.
One step more,
one step more,
one step more.
Chains are breaking.
Hope is rising.
One step more.
–Chris Pepple. ©2022
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