Together We Rise
Poem #1: Together, We Rise
A few may stumble, and a few may stray, but they cannot divide us or lead us astray.
No single action, no headline, no claim can define a community’s heart or its name.
Let no one’s actions cast shadows on all, nor let unfair judgment cause others to fall.
For the goodness of many deserves to be seen, beyond what the headlines may say or may mean.
We are all Minnesotans, together we stand, from every walk of life, joined hand in hand.
We are mothers and fathers, siblings and friends, dreamers and workers whose care never ends.
Entrepreneurs, caregivers, neighbors who share, we hold our communities close with our care.
Our strength and our wisdom will light up the way, shaping tomorrow through all that we say.
Together, as Minnesotans, we guide one another, with compassion and truth for each sister and brother.
We show that true strength is kindness in deed, and every choice helps shape what we need.
Though our stories and backgrounds may differ in name, our hopes for tomorrow remain much the same:
Strong communities, bright futures for all, with each one supported whenever they fall.
We stand by each other through hardship and fear, choosing unity, understanding, and care year by year.
When we come together with purpose and grace, there is no limit to what we can face.
Together, we’ll raise a generation wise, compassionate, connected, ready to rise and make this state we call our home the best of any other.
Poem #2: Together, Minnesotans Stand as ONE
When shadows press and borders tighten close,
When fear is taught to speak before the truth,
We answer not with chaos,
But with calm—and with each other close.
Oppression feeds on fractured ground,
On voices forced to choose between shout and silence.
We choose a third way:
Steady hands—acting with restraint, helping, protecting.
Open eyes—seeing one another’s humanity, never looking away.
This is how we enforce: peace with purpose.
We stand in rows of open palms, not raised in threat, but in vow.
Unity is not surrender—
It is strength that refuses to rot.
Evil expects our anger to consume us, expects us to mirror what we resist.
We answer instead with calm, and mercy that stands firm.
No chain survives a thousand hands,
No cold outlasts a shared fire.
Together, we become our own shelter.
And in this choosing— of peace over panic, of people over power— Darkness learns its oldest lesson:
It cannot rule where a community stands,
Unbroken, as ONE.
Reflection:
I wrote these two poems at different times, but both came from the same place in my heart —my belief in humanity, unity, and the strength we have when we stand together.
Together, Minnesotans Stand as ONE was written during the height of Operation Metro Surge. Watching the fear, uncertainty, and division around us was heartbreaking. I wanted to remind people that even during difficult times, we have a choice in how we respond. We can let fear and anger divide us, or we can stand together with courage, compassion, and dignity. I believe there is tremendous strength in choosing peace without giving up on what is right.
Together, We Rise came from watching an entire community face judgment because of the actions of a few. I kept thinking about my incredible friends — mothers, sisters, professionals, entrepreneurs, and so many responsible individuals who contribute to our society every day. I wanted them to know that they are seen, valued, and supported.
As a mother, a friend, and a fellow Minnesotan, I believe we all share the same hopes for our children and our future. We may come from different backgrounds, but our responsibility to one another doesn’t change. We need to have compassion, hold one another accountable, and work together to raise a generation that is kinder, wiser, and more connected.
I don’t have all the answers, but I believe we all have a part to play. Sometimes that starts with simply standing beside someone and reminding them they are not alone.
Both are about choosing humanity over division.
Naz M. is a Minnesota-based writer, entrepreneur, cybersecurity professional, and mother of two. Her writing is inspired by faith, resilience, womanhood, and the power of community. Through poetry, she gives voice to emotions often left unspoken, reflecting on the strength, struggles, and courage of women and community as a whole. She believes words have the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together.