Ann-Marie Spittle

ALL IN THE MIND

Voices raised in anger are ignored
But speak softly
World stops
Faces turn
Breath catches in the throat
It can’t be true
Ties must be cut
Steps must be taken
Lives must be changed
So the roots stay strong
Before the frost eats them away
To long the oppression
To loud the transgressor
To tired the unnatural
By the constant barrage
To break the spirit
Air becomes thick with it
Harsh words equipped with it
Darts hit their heart with it
March on despite of it
Or die from the wounds
That which does not kill us
Sets us free
Not makes us stronger
For pervasive protection
Stands up to the attack
Tendrils shrink and detach
Energy rises and elates
No more the dragged down
A bird released from its cage
Knowing the bars were merely in the mind