ATTENTION EVERYONE: I have a very important poem that I would like each and every one of you to read and tell your friends to read. It may be a long poem, but it will only take away a few seconds from your day, then you can go back to your busy lives, but I really would like you to think about the message and meaning of the poem and be inspired. Take something away from this poem; don't just be one of those people who can't take time out of their busy lives to make a difference in the world:

You must find the courage, the courage within you

it’s been there all along, deep within you

Ready to blossom, ready to bloom

Prepared to prosper, prepared to grow

Before you walk away, there is something you should know

when you see a bully in the hallway, or a mugger on the street,

Whether the victim is one you know, or one that you just meet

Rather than look away, or turn the other cheek,

stay and approach the perpetrator, it’s your silence they seek

Don’t just get up, leave, run and hide

You need to stand up, ask for help from the side

Tell a teacher, or call the police

it could make a difference to the victim, to live or to cease

You can do it, be bold, be strong

Stand up to perpetrators because they are wrong

Prevent criminals from killing,

You can be brave, but are you willing?

Step up to the challenge, put yourself to the test

Here is the mission, are you ready for the quest?

Put yourself in their shoes,

Would you ever want this to happen to you?

Question yourself, Is this what is right?

Don’t just stand by, trying to decide

Step up and be the hero

the difference-maker is you

Don’t just stand there,

while you are completely aware

of the situation unfolding in front of you,

There is something you can do

You can take an act,

When another is being attacked

Make a difference, I know you can

Take a stand,

Care about what is going on, in another’s life

when they’re in situations, battling death, harm, and strife

Step out of your comfort zone,

When a victim is alone

Don’t be a bystander, in a big crowd

Be fierce, be loud

You have a voice,

It is your choice

to stand up or run

For others to intervene, it only takes one

Once you’re the first, you won’t be the last

Think about the lessons of your past

If you don’t stand up first, no one ever will

Now is the time, the time is right

You have set your sight

Don’t let the moment pass, to only feel regret

defend others and yourself, and you will be set

it can be actions, or even just words

As long as you do something, as long as you’re heard