Shawn L. Bird

I choose

to believe.

.

I choose to believe

that my one vote

can make a difference

like a single pebble

rippling

to the edges of a still pond

 .

I choose to believe

that my choice

provides the fuel for the future,

that in exercising my franchise

my small voice resonates.

I do not have to stand

in the street and shout

to make my opinion heard.

I walk into my polling place

unmolested

and cast my vote fearlessly.

.

I choose to believe

that my vote matters.

I choose to believe

that leaders want to govern

responsibly,

that they care about the people

they represent,

that they want to make a difference.

I choose to believe

in the hope of a better tomorrow.

.

I choose to make a difference.

to be a pebble in the pond

of democracy,

and so

I vote.