Speak

I’m a defender 
and a protector
I stick up 
for little guys 
I take shots 
so that others 
don’t have to 
because I know 
I’ll get up 
I always have 
and always will 
I say the
hard things the 
truths that most 
won’t or can’t 
I never enjoy 
it saying it 
but it needs 
to be said 
and not just 
thought about wished
away or forgotten 
so is my
mantel my moniker 
my burden and 
my humblest privilege 
he who speaks