Stand Poem by Ruth Sabath Rosenthal

Stand and be
counted! No
matter what, stand up
to the enemy. Don’t
stand in the way
of action. Stand fast
and deliver what is sure
to ensure victory.
Insubordination
won’t be stood for!
Understood?
Don’t stand by
and let others rest
on their laurels.
Can’t stand the heat?
Chill, till you will
take the stance
that sits well with folks
who don’t stand
on ceremony.
No standing room left?
Sit — work the phones.
If need be, pound
the pavement, or go
down in history standing
shoulder to shoulder
within the rank and file
of the long-standing
collectors of dog tags and body bags.