I AM HERE BECAUSE OF THEM
by Steph Crago
The world is closed off to us.
The world kept us chained.
The world is scared of us.
Then a warrior stood up, above the crowd, and paid the ultimate price.
She stood tall and proud, a beacon of light.
That light shone onto a new level,
One in which we could be heard.
Here we stand in the light.
The next warrior advanced.
Her voice quiet and seeking cover.
Expanding her voice though a familiar space,
The Church became cover for us to speak in the disguise of the Holy.
A brighter light shone onto the next level.
Here we stand in the light.
Expanding our voices through the ages discovering new ways to project importance.
Each new warrior testing the path,
Each light shining brighter,
Each level made clearer,
Expanding the power of our minds and thoughts and our rightful place.
Here we stand in the light.
The platform has been made,
Our voices are heard,
Our ideas expanding,
The world was unreachable to us.
The world was closed off to us.
The world has unlocked the chains.
The world is still scared of us.
I am here because of them.
Steph Crago is a senior pursuing a Baccalaureate in English. She is a member of the Brothertown Indian Nation, a mother of two beautiful daughters, and married to her best friend, while trying to enjoy all Alaska has to offer. She grew up in Minnesota and loves creating, which has developed into “crafting ADD,” and many unfinished projects.