Enslaved

“No one is more a slave than he who thinks himself free of being one”J.W.von Goethe

Count us over and over, cut us into so many shapes 

at any time, but always into the fear of death 

and control by others-

Let the light of evidence bring out the contours of fear,

for animals never ponder about the loss of freedom,

neither the trees, surrounded by guns, will bear more fruit,

or fields, when challenged by fire, will grow additional wheat.

Also hens cannot be forced to lay more eggs,

nor will flowers bloom under threats.

But when we enter all waters under the waterfall

of menace, we are held in check or lose our freedoms.

Wanting to trust the ones above us, we believe in goodness,

But think:

farmers also care for their cattle, feed and protect them

in order to ultimately kill them for profit -

We, the chameleons, adapt freedom to ever increasing taxes

and learn that protection comes at a cost.

We, the high-riders and drifters, cannot withdraw

and let the sun distribute wealth, but are charged year-in, year-out

for pitching camp and the cost of water and fire.