If Bystanders Were Upstanders by Jessica Steel

If Bystanders Were Upstanders 

Heroes and villains 

wrongs and rights 

A whole lot of people 

Who don't put up a fight

What are they supposed to do?

That's the someone else's job 

They're just weak and average

Just a face in the mob

I don't know what's worse 

Being the bad guy or the bystander

You're not hurting someone 

Is watching much better?

But I'm just me 

What could I do?

I can barely do one pull up 

Maybe two

"Fight with you words"

Well I'm not talking big picture 

If someone tried to hurt me I'd get hurt

What if they went after my sister?

What if my parents aren't home 

 I'd call 911 and get her to hide with me

I'd try to keep her quiet

Please don't cry Sammy 

My Mom thinks I'm crazy

When I go off about learning how to fight

What if I'm mugged, what if I'm kidnapped 

"That won't happen alright"

I don't think it's crazy

Especially for a teenage girl like me

The world's a dangerous place

Just look at what's shown on TV

I shouldn't have to think this way

I shouldn't have to worry

I'm only sixteen

But I know this could happen, truly, surely 

That being said 

I honestly think this could be a better place

If bystanders were upstanders 

If only that were the case.