Across the sea, a jungle green, A young man fought, a sight unseen. My father, there, in Vietnam’s hold, A story etched, a heart of gold.
The weight of war, a heavy pack, He carried burdens on his back. The sounds of fire, the cries of pain, Aching memories, etched like rain.
But courage bloomed where shadows fell, He faced his fears and fought them well. For comrades’ sake, for duty’s call, He stood his ground, he gave his all.
And when he came back home at last, The war’s grim toll, a shadowed past. Unspoken battles, burdens deep, Yet in his eyes, a love to keep.
He built a life, a world anew, The strength he bore, shone clear and true. My father, soldier, quiet, strong, In him, I see where I belong.
This ode to him, a whispered pride, For all he faced, for all he tried. A son’s respect, a heart’s embrace, For the hero’s journey, etched on his face.
We stand together, a multitude wide, Our inherent worth cannot be denied. We are the many, strong and profound, On worthy, undeniable ground.
A powerful force, a presence complete, In every life’s aspect, we cannot retreat. We are the bedrock, the muse, and the light, The mothers who nurture, the wives who unite. Companions and partners, the friends tried and true, The unwavering support, seeing the world through.
Yet a flaw in our unity, a shadow we find, The support we give others, we leave behind. Hesitant to challenge, to push past the ease, To reach true potential that surely would please. And most painful of all, a failure to claim, The hard-won successes, and speak a sister’s name.
This must cease now, the passive days gone, We must seek out the moments, from dusk until dawn. To offer our praise, let our voices ring true, Each milestone a triumph, for me and for you. To consciously lift, giving momentum and grace, For every woman to find her true place. To challenge with love, with expectation’s firm hand, Demanding of excellence, across all the land. No criticism this is, but mutual rise, Reflected in sisterhood’s true, loving eyes.
Through this vow to support, and challenge we make, The success we can grasp, for goodness’ sake. Empowering each other, we’ll shift and transform, The women the world needs, weathering every storm. We’ll embody the purpose, we were meant to be, The women who changed the world, for all eyes to see.
To achieve this high goal, the toxins must fall, Excise the dark poisons that hold us in thrall. Shed the debilitating jealousy’s sting, That blinds us to triumphs the good moments bring.
Discard the destructive competition and strife, Focus energy outward, on a better world’s life. Not inward, against us, our battles are clear, Fighting for progress, not fueled by dark fear.
Cast off the petty, the soul-crushing hate, It consumes the bright light that seals our fate. The path forward is dimmed by this darkness within, We must clear out the shadows, and let light begin.
Let a new sacred covenant be firmly held fast, A mandate of love that is meant to last. Unconditional loving, and support burning bright, A sisterhood rising, with all of its might. Unbreakable, unstoppable, changing the world’s face, United in purpose, and filled with true grace.
The silent prisons of our own mind, Worry for the deeds we left behind, The chances lost, the paths we feared to roam, Our potential dormant, never brought home. This anchor heavy, second-guessing’s sting, Drags down the soul that was meant to sing.
To truly live, regret must be outrun, A risk embraced beneath the morning sun. The unknown holds the promise of our growth, A fertile ground for a pledged oath.
Take the chance at greatness, a choice for all, Be willing to reach, to answer the call. See what reserves within your spirit lie, Of strength and grace beneath the open sky. Commit to the dream, take the fearless flight, Forward with conviction, leaving behind the night.
Hesitation is the foe of every deed, By fearing failure, planting doubt’s cold seed. You’ll never know the heights you could attain, The monuments you’d build through sun and rain. The touch of courage, how it might inspire, A beacon lit by your own brave fire.
Embrace the call: Take the chance once more, See what you can do without a shore. Take the challenge, soar upon the breeze, Let past regrets dissolve with newfound ease. Don’t look behind; the future lies ahead, Just keep the onward path and be well-led.
Belief and grit define the way we go, The goals you set, the success you will know. Though failure whispers—part of learning’s art— Do not let that dark shadow break your heart. The glorious chance of victory is near, For this bright hope, dispel all doubt and fear.
Stop postponing the life you wish to lead, Write the unheard book, plant the needed seed. Learn the unlearned dance, let rhythm take hold, Sing out your heart, a story to unfold. Let nothing hold you back—no fear, no scorn, The time for your own greatness is this morn.
