Social Worker Metari Garza has been serving veterans for seven years. She is also a writer of poetry and a spoken word artist.
During Social Work Month Garza, LCSW, CCM, shared her poem “Stand Up” with other staff at the VA North Texas Health Care System. The chief of Social Work Services then shared it with our national VA leadership. Garza said she has gotten much positive feedback on the poem and wanted to share it with other social workers.
Here it is:
STAND UP
Advocate
Educator
Change Agent
Mediator
Negotiator
Care Manager
Administrator
These are just a few titles that depict our Professional roles
But the words that stir people the most lie in so Many stories untold
They are the words that don’t end in 4 Letters Preceded by degrees
Compassion – Empathy – Integrity – Ethical – Kindness – Unbiased Spirit
These things cannot be taught or bought
For those we serve these are the qualities most Often sought
Stand Up
Since the beginning we’ve had to Stand Up
The time may not be convenient but had come
No more twiddling and fumbling with your thumbs
Courage is what we need
As we face Valley Lows and Mountain Highs
Keep your heads lifted and your eyes to the sky
Stand Up
Stand Up Sisters….Stand Up Brothers
Stand Up as if it was your
Daddy or Mother
Stand Up not just a special month or time of the Year
PUSH forward daily and have no fear
Stand Up for Women…Stand Up for Men
Stand Up for the
Forgotten
Out casted
Refugees
And so called has beens
Stand Up to the “Isms”
AGE-Ism
CLASS-Ism
SEX-Ism
RACE-Ism
FAVORITE-Ism
Whatever the “Ism” or Opposition
Stand Up
Regardless of your position
Stand Up
Even if you feel you don’t belong
Stand Up
Doing what’s right will always conquer what’s Wrong
Stand Up
Colleagues the time is now
Let your voices be heard loud and proud
Stand Up
Even when it’s unpopular and crowd goes left
Keep moving to the Light…Stay on the side of Right
We’re all Soldiers on the front lines
Advocating for Veterans with determination and a Made up mind
We cannot be Stopped, Blocked, or Compromised
Just like fresh bread baking….Still We Rise
Stand Up
Stand Up for every
Veteran
Client
Patient
Elder or
Child
Help to make their journey easier turning heartache Into a smile
For just wait….in a little while
One day you may find yourself in need
For someone to Stand Up for you indeed
Stand Up
Thank you for your poem and commitment ! My mom was a social worker and my daughter is finishing her MSW. You are a great role model and human being!
Great Work! Very inspiring!
Beautiful!
Congratulations, your poem is inspiring and makes you want to do just that ‘Stand Up’. Thanks you for sharing your gift
Karen…
We all speak that same language. Thank you and keep standing up! You’re not alone, but we need more social work soldiers.
Thank you for the strength of your words. I have been doing those things for many many years now. I am very fortunate to be able to do them and to have the opportunity to do them. May you continue on also.
Great work! Good job! Very inspiring!
You go girl!
OUTSTANDING POEM SOROR! YOUR WORDS HAVE AND WILL INSPIRE THE STRENGTH WE ALL HAVE INSIDE TO KEEP STRIVING TO HELP OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!!! BE BLESSED AND CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US WITH YOUR WORDS FROM THE HEART!!!!
Awesome job!!! Very motivating words of wisdom and a battle call for the righteous to stand up and make a difference as the world grows darker…it’s time for us to come out of the closet and represent The LIGHT…let’s Stand Up!!!
Well done Ms. Garza, this Victor Riley an African American male from California in my first year of graduate school pursuing my MSW. I must say your words are very inspiring and encouraging. I truly look forward to the challenge of being able to STAND UP for those marginalized individuals who need our support and service. Thank you for confirming my calling of being a change agent and soldier for Christ who was our perfect example of a Great social worker.
Keep up the good work sister.
on 3-7-18, the University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas will be honoring Social Workers with a free dinner and Ethics Training. At the end of the meeting, my husband, Ulysses Flores, will be closing with your poem and a moment of silence to renew and strengthen all Social Workers who relentless serve those who come their way.
Thank you for the courage to Stand Up and write such an inspirational poem.
Ester Flores, PhD, LMSW (39 Years in the Field of Social Work!)