Speak Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

(dedicated to Kaye Cee)

if we find
injustice
unequal
unkind

if we face
disgraceful
dishonest
dishonor

if we feel
discomfort
displacement
misuse

if we deal with
unchallenged group
unsurpassed power
unbreakable link

let’s
speak up
say it loud
to the crowd

or we just
keep it silent
keep it secret
keep it private

yes, we need
careful
confidence
courageous

we can do
to change
to fight
to care

please, don’t be
a foolish donkey
a muted devil
a tame kitten

to them
say it clear
not only gossip
speak, speak, speak!

(inspired by Maurice Ravel’s Bolero)