Transcendence

"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle... the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."

- Martin Luther King, Jr. -

"Transcendence"

I believe

That yesterday's hope is tomorrow's action
But today's a limbo state
Complacency, satisfaction
The markers of a static being
When love is rationed
And through silence, oppression breathes
And devastates passion

And he believes

That yesterday's wish is tomorrow's progress
But he wakes up every morning
Just to face a contest
Himself against the mirror
Inferiority complex
Through the hateful words he fears
A breakdown of confidence

And she believes

That yesterday's dream is tomorrow's reality
But the record's on repeat
Stuck in the cycle of poverty
Grasping for crumbs that fall
From the tabletops of society
Through institutional injustices
That define propriety

And they believe

That yesterday's ambition is tomorrow's achievement
But the media's intentions
Bring social death and bereavement
Stereotypes mentioned
They ask, why don't you leave it?
Leave your identity on the boat
That brought you to this land of "freedom"

But often we believe...

That one idea cannot reveal and touch humanity 
Simplistic visions aren't sufficient for shaping complexity
A single thought is far too small to hold any meaning
Meanwhile problems are perpetuated while solutions are sleeping

So I believe

That yesterday's hope is tomorrow's action
And today's a limbo state
Complacency, satisfaction
But I won't be stationary
Or let love be rationed
I'll speak up so justice breathes
Awakening passion.