Rising Tide

A Rising tide
lifts elbows

we stand
because they
crawled

My voice
shows strength
it portrays confidence

My empowerment
was created 
by the sweat and brow
of my love ones
that paved the way
for me

Shall we not forget

the lips should 
not sour
by the grapes
that your labor
harvested

In thankfulness
not entitlement
I express gratitude

the long winding
road
is equipped 
with pre made
directions
set by
the hands 
that took the 
beatings
from the tide
that I reign upon