I rise

You may pull me down, until i hurt
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may throw me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I shall rise.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still, like a bird, I shall rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries ?

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I shall rise.