Conditional freedom
the condition being that I
think like
look like
believe like
act like
love like
live like
you.
Who are you?
A sliver of a larger reality.
A single dimension on a plane
stretching from miles
in limitless directions.
What really were we promised?
Growing up
learning of fights for freedom
long past
we didn’t know
that there were still battles to be won.
Freedom hasn’t be won
as people continue to die
for their looks
their beliefs
for existing.
Lack of protection.
No refuge can save those unjustly treated.
We stand still at a crossroads
between what we thought were safe, beloved homes
and the desolation that marks a vein of hate and injustice.
We stand to fight
to preserve the promise of freedom for all
the spirit of freedom that sparked the birth of a nation.
The determination is still the same
to conquer for a just cause
the only thing that has changed
is the scope.
We all still gaze upon the stars and stripes of a banner
but the freedom we hope for is not just for men
not just for white
but for all who come here
who’ve lived here
who’ve been erased here
who’ve been stolen from
and stolen.
In this land we are all brave who stand up
who get up each and every day
who rise in the face of hatred
who dare to demand a freedom that was promised.
A freedom that was dolled out on conditions.
Caia Rose 