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"Still We Rise"

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A reading of "Still We Rise," an original poem by PHA graduate Wiener Douyon during Class of 2019 graduation ceremonies held on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at MIT Kresge Auditorium in Cambridge, MA.

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We are divine 
And I don’t mean our innate interest in the sublime 
But our ability to climb, and unwind the twisted line of fate that we find
See, despite our hands being tied, and the many failed tries,
STILL WE RISE

Past the horror of the Boston Marathon
Or the increasing use of the gun on those who are shunned
Or the election that left us pondering “what can now be done”
Of a president where morality and respect is defied
STILL WE RISE

Through a college scandal which revealed the unjust
Or like #Metoo, the victims of lust
Or the immigrant families and the many black persons
Who are targeted by the very beings they should trust
Yes, we heard many cries
BUT STILL WE RISE

Over the uncertainty of Cancers
Bowman and Olive, the strength of theirs  
Or the sudden fall of our sister, Maya, leaving a tear
Asking the supreme being why, out of all times, when we are so near   
To the end that we all spent the last four years to prepare
Yes, it would seem that our sorrow grew in size,
STILL WE RISE

It is because we are unique
As we seek... not only the peak.
But the beauty when we are weak
Similar to a seed germinating to a seed-ling 
We blossom to greater beings, rooted by ideals of our surroundings
And while others believe we won't go high
STILL WE RISE

And of course, we are trees, 
Because of the depth of our creeds 
And the hope embodied by our seeds 
And just like a palm tree, no matter the strength of the storm,
We will remain and be adorned
And while today we say our goodbyes 
Remember, 
STILL WE RISE

As for those in the audience today,
I cannot help but say..
Thank you for your efforts and contributions
That you all have made to this day
For being the nutrients to our growth 
Because in the support you supply
WE WILL RISE

And I am more than certain that you all will be seeing
The fruits of our own reaping
Yes, that’s a sight that we should all be cheering
And as our next steps are nearing
The world will realize
WE. WILL. RISE.

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"Still We Rise"

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