I often wonder if my existence really offends you. Even as i work and toil it seems to be in vain
My labour and sacrifice to see a better ending seem to fade away in tears
Do i offend you in any way
In all this shame and disgrace but i rise

The dawn of a new day comes always with great joy
Unleashing the hidden potential within me
New opportunities show forth
But in the twinkle of an eye all seem to be put away by the washing floods of adversity
Again I sit down in dispair and ask mother nature
Have I wronged you in any way
But like dust I rise again

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my overflowing wells of inborn potential itch you
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my life with bullets of distress again
Be rest assured, like the fresh aroma from the field of roses I rise again

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

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

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.

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’ll rise.

Does this come as a suprise to you that
I am the dream and the hope of the next generation. I stand firm and defend my Dreams.

© Emmanuel Gudukayi