KEEP YOUR CHIN UP
This poem is meant to be read chorally out loud. Regular type is assigned to a single voice. Italicized text can be read by one person or a group. Bold type is read by everyone.
I'll stand here in the corner, and I'll blend in with the wall.
When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
They might not even notice that I'm here today at all.
When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
I'll try to be invisible. I'll stare down at the ground.
I will not raise my hand today or even make a sound.
And maybe, if I'm lucky, they'll forget that I'm around.
I know it isn't easy, friend, but give it a try.
When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
Maybe if I shrink away they'll leave me all alone.
When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
I'll be the smallest, shyest kid the world has ever known.
When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
I'll be as still and silent as a piece of furniture.
I will not move or look around. I will not even stir,
'cause if I seem too confident, they'll pick on me for sure.
There's so much more to living, friend, than simply getting by.
When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
Now even when you're tempted to be staring at your feet,
If I keep my chin up, I keep my head high.
give a look of confidence when walking down the street.
If I keep my chin up, I keep my head high.
I guess I could assert myself.
I know you can, my friend.
You may not feel so fearless,
But I guess I could pretend.
Your days will be much brighter, and you'll find that, in the end,
(Both) You're (I'm) strong enough, and soon enough it isn't a lie.
When you keep your chin up,
When I keep my chin up,
(Both) When you keep your chin up, you keep your head high.
--Eric Ode
Copyright © 2011 Eric Ode
All Rights Reserved