The freedoms we deserve

Walking alone after a night out with friends

Past a dark-hooded man mumbling into his phone.

She readies her keys—to unlock, not defend

And lays back on the bed, feeling glad to be home.

Gathered outside with their placards raised high,

While horse-mounted officers shepherd the crowd.

Their protest is peaceful; they’re just marching to try

To have their needs heard as they chant them aloud.

In a sterile white room and gasping for air,

He scribbles his name to approve his demise.

His loved ones relieved; the state’s paid for his care.

They can deal with their grief with no costly surprise.

Screaming and shouting as their marriage broke down.

To leave with the kids was her only solution.

Now starting again on the outskirts of town,

With paid monthly support and no retribution.

Sitting in school and excited to learn

All manner of things; to grow who they’ll be.

Troubled, armed teens are not a concern,

Nor practising drills to hide or to flee.

The rearview flashing of red and blue lights.

He knows he’s done wrong; it’s been one of those days.

But the indigenous man, ashamed and uptight,

Is calmly handed a fine and sent off on his way.

Clutching her stomach and bent over in pain.

She’s researched her options and the conflicting views.

Not feeling judged or the need to explain

That this unwanted life was caused by the accused.

A red-buttoned mad man pines for a time

Where he gorged on the lies of what he was worth.

But the world stands united; he’ll pay for his crimes

And rising out from the ashes is mankind’s rebirth.

Towels arranged on the warm, golden sand

For their owner’s return from the sparkling waves.

Ice cream drips down little, sticky hands

Before they’re buried within the castles and caves.

A dandy clock gently floats in the breeze

By the delicate blow of a young girl’s lips.

Freely dispersing and planting its seeds

For new chances of life to blossom, unclipped.