Remain Good Poem by Vanessa Alvarez

Not cruel, though cruelty nears,
Not hurtful, though you bear tears.
Not silent, though unheard

Remain kind, though the world may not
Remain gentle, though harshness is sought.
Reemain giving, though others withhold.
Remain forgiving, though no pardon is told.

Do not mirror the night,
Do not echo the spite.
Do not repay the wrong,
Keep your spirit strong.

Even when voices deride,
Even when doors close wide,
Even when hands push away,
Still, choose the brighter way.

Through wounds, through trials, through shame,
Through flaws you cannot tame,
Remain good—
For goodness is your name.

Yes, remain true,
Though the world misconstrues.
Still, remain free,
For goodness is who you choose to be.