The winter has been hard and long.

It lasted for many years,

So many the nation forgot to hope for spring.

Or no longer believed in it.

But some still did.

 

The winter has been hard and long.

No flowers would bloom,

At least not with any ease,

And even then they were slight.

But some still gardened.

 

Still there were those who tried,

Who hoped and dreamed.

Who envisioned a future of growth,

Of green grass and sunny acceptance.

 

The winter has been hard and long.

Biting hate oppressed the women,

And they cowered under their collars,

Too afraid to fight back.

But some shed their coats.

 

The winter has been hard and long.

Cold-hearted men latched on with icy claws,

And refused to let go.

Most knelt in submission,

But some still stood tall.

 

Still there were those who fought,

Who marched and prayed.

Who suffered so others didn’t have to,

So that we don’t have to.

 

The winter has been hard and long.

Some defied against the frozen world,

Kept their hearts warm with the coming justice.

They brought the change of seasons.

 

The winter has been hard and long.

But spring has begun to bloom.