Rise

The world is a beautiful place. We share it like apple pie 

A robust, honey-dripped slice 

Through community we rise 

We thrive 

A million lightning bolts from our eyes

Through coalescence, we grow sturdy and wise 

We clasp hands in unity and hope 

Fingers intertwined, braided like ravishing rope 

A bright future, a road paved in gold 

Soles on the ground, souls to behold 

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Hearts burst with tenderness 

Grab it with your hands, pull it from your chest

Put kindness in a basket and place it on your neighbour’s welcome mat 

Make time for a friendly chat 

Lend sugar and love, offer compassion and care 

Pick fresh flowers, tuck them in your hair 

Have a juicy plum, peach or pear 

A picnic, sun beams reflected through the glass wear

Sip sweet lemonade, pour a glass for those at the table

A cup for each set of hands 

A feast of the divine, bountiful 

Savoury and sweet 

A meal shared, we dance to the sounds of our heartbeats

In the damp grass, under the waxing moon 

Sharing steaming stew with a wooden spoon 

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Put your arms around your shoulders and squeeze 

An embrace to remedy your worries 

Be gentle with yourself 

You’re doing your best 

It’s okay to be stressed 

Remember to make space for rest 

A fleece blanket draped across your breast 

Cozy and cocooned, snug in your nest 

And if you’re feeling lonely, lean on someone you cherish 

When we bear it united, it’s lighter to carry 

Troubles shrunk down to the size of a cherry 

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When we stand together, we’re never alone 

We embrace difference, celebrate the unknown 

Sing a song of joy and peace 

Sing until our foreheads crease 

Scream until we empty our lungs 

Until we dry out our tongues 

The song fills the warm air 

Shout it out, there’s love to spare