Stand Tall/ Jamie Shamah/ Poetry

Stand Tall

Jamie Shamah

You never think that it would be you You never imagine that you would be the one The one to fill all the reports and newspapers I mean, I never thought it would be me But soon enough that day came, and soon enough I was that person All eyes were on me.

Thump, thump My heart, beating out of my chest as I get dressed My heart, screaming from within me as leave my house

I never meant for this to happen I never meant to cause any of this I never meant to create something that rippled on to be much larger than me Much larger than just a little girl

“ Stand TALL Ruby” “ Keep on w a l k i n g” Their words will forever ec h o in my head

“Rise above Ruby” “You must fight”

Click, Click My heeled shoes march up the intimidating steps My footsteps, breaking the silence in the empty halls

Sent to school Sent alone Sent away

Away from what I knew Away from my family Away from my home base

Tik……Tik The clock’s hands turn slower than ever

“Stand TALL ruby” “ Keep on w a l k I n g”

My first day I will never forget My first day, The day I cleared the halls of the school The day the angry parents accused and attacked just a little girl

I was in their court and they had all the advantages I didn’t stand a chance They had everything and I had nothing

Except for one thing, I had them.

My first day, The day I met them

My guardians angles My saviors My protectors

Hum, hum His soft, strong voice pushing me forward

“Stand TALL Ruby” “ Keep on w a l k I n g”

They were my everything All I had Without them, I don't think I would’ve made it “Without them” that’s a scary thought.

(Point of view: Ruby Bridges)