Radiant Words

I do not have to shout to be strong

I only have to know I belong

I used to fold my words away

Thinking somebody else knew what to say

I watched my ideas leave the room While silence made a little

more room

Then I heard a quiet truth inside A steady drum I could

no longer hide

It said, "Your story carries something new The world has never heard

it told by you"

Even when my hands are shaking

Even when my breath feels small

Truth becomes a door when I am brave enough to call

My voice matters

Even when it shakes

My truth can open doors That silence never breaks

I do not need permission

To be fully who I am

My voice matters

And I am ready to stand

Speak, speak Let your truth breathe

Speak, speak You have something we need

A voice can ask the needed question A voice can offer new

direction A voice can say,

"That is not fair" A voice can tell a heart,

"I care" Listening is also how we lead Making room for every

human need

No one grows when only one is heard Respect begins by honoring

each word

Even when the room is crowded

Even when the fear feels tall

I can bring my honest heart and offer something real to all

My voice matters

Even when it shakes

My truth can open doors That silence never breaks

I do not need permission

To be fully who I am

My voice matters And I am ready to stand

I am worthy of a place here

I am learning to be clear

I can speak with love and courage I can listen without fear

Your voice matters

His voice matters Her voice matters

Every life has something true

Our voices matter

Every shape and sound

When respect becomes the rhythm

Hope is what we build around We do not need permission

To bring forward who we are

Our voices matter

Every voice can be a star

Say it gently

Say it true

There is something only you can give the world

through you