*Illustration reference: "The Statue of Freedom"
by Thomas Crawford (1863)
Malaise pervades, like apathy
It clouds the mind with lethargy
Allowing tyranny to creep
While at the wheel, we fall asleep
But I still plead, what is there else
Except to claim rights for oneself
To act, to live, to breathe, to BE
Protect our prized autonomy
The kind that does not tread nor breach
Keeps to itself, out of their reach
But day has come, when on our own
Decisions are not made alone
Too many voices break this space
Dishonour, like a slap to face
A target now, upon our backs
Has left us open to attacks
When all we want, when all we need
Like captured bounty, to be freed
I dare them, try to hold us down
With all their might, they hope to drown
Assume us weak, our rage belies
They cannot kill what will not die
For mute with arms and hands still cheer
The deaf with eyes, can see to hear
The blind, with fingers, feel to see
And the will, when caged, fights to be free…