Who I want to be

That woman who on bended knee
Would pray for friends and family
Each morning as the clock strikes three
Includes even her enemy
She's who I want to strive to be

This lady with the pleasant smile
Her tattered clothes and well-worn shoes
She breaks her back from nine till nine
That her girls may dress in cloth unused
Not depend upon crumbs from another's table
Until that day rendered unable
She'd still be crunching down - happily
This person whom I long to be

A stern-looking woman at my church
Dressed always strict in lady suits
Her car stacked full with meals she cooks
Would often drive around in search
For hungry folk about the streets
Expecting none from those she feeds
This saintly lady truly are
The best I'd like to be by far

This girl, not quite a woman yet
Her heart worn on her sleeve
Cares deeply for her neighbors, peers
Known fondly as our street's police
Through darkest nights or early morn
She hardly sleeps, I'd guess
Alert, our local cops she'd warn
Promptly ensures arrests
This woman-child indeed
Be someone I would like to be

The cashier at the grocer's store
With sorrow deep behind her eyes
Who's laughter everyone adores
Can clear up stormy skies
Her voice so kind and gentle
Makes mad frowns disappear
She handles folks so tender
Old ladies calls her "dear"
Her sweetness dare my heartstrings stir
Encourage me to be like her

Those women who've been trampled on
Spat upon
Shoved aside, kicked in the hide
Been publicly attacked
Have been stabbed in the back
Been humiliated, stripped naked
Threatened with their very lives
Struggling to survive
Yet ate still standing tall
Remaining strong
Those not afraid, who doth protest
Who dare speak up against prejudice
Standing out amongst the rest
Beaten down as she shield the other
Prepared to die whilst protecting another
These unsung heroes certainly
Are exactly who I want to be