Try Treading Water

Try treading water

when an anchor

is tied to your feet.

***

Try to yell and scream

when your throat is

slashed and torn.

***

Try to take flight

when all the shackles

keep you down.

***

You want to be free.

You want to do what you please.

But it just can't be.

***

The world caves in

And it conspires against

Your well-being.

***

All you're left with

is hope that thing will change.

That thing will improve.

***

It's time like these

you either yearn for a better way

or there's no better way.

***

The choice only becomes known

when you realize

hope happens when...

***

You kick off the anchor.

Heal thy throat.

Unfetter the shackles.

***

Then, only then,

hope is free

and you are free.