His happy voice made a joyful noise
And no one could steal that from him
Gathering his being, he grew from within
No matter who, nor what or when he'd rise
Neighborhood bullies scattered, shattered
He refused to let them take his esteem
The only thing that he knew that he'd had
And the world could burn and shake
But he was untouched and inexorable
His path taken, not chosen
His life rising, not broken
Never broken
