Can you be assertive and not be demanding
Can you be forceful and not be dominating
Can you be visionary and not be a dreamer.
Can you be a listener before becoming a talker
Can you be an observer and a learner
Can you be appreciative and not critical
Of the foundation laid down before you.
Can you respect diversity
Honor and respect those
Who walked a different path
In search of same ideals.
Can you inspire and not be an obstacle
Can you find a middle ground
In search of solutions overlooked
Not be an extremist and hold on to prejudice.
If you aspire to be all that
Then you are worthy to lead
Be a leader of this great nation
And you have earned my vote.
Author's Note:
The above poem is part of an anthology book "Time To Show Up: Poets For Democracy.
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/
