Through bloodshot eyes I peer out and see an unending pain
The pain of men bound by manacles and chains
Fastened together in the manners of beasts of burden
Bound by yokes and reigns
Because I walk with them I too feel their pain
Victims in the continuing trade of slaves
Locked into the oppression of mental and emotional caves
A confinement perpetuated for years beyond their numbered days
But sadly now it’s our own lust that binds us as slaves
Hearts tainted and hopes of true freedom removed
Like Stella we wonder aimlessly in search of our grooves
Bleeding profusely from wounds no ointment soothes
And it’s the children who truly suffer as a result of those removed
Childhood smiles are replaced by anguished tears
Asks of bravado are worn to mask young men’s fears
While the indecencies of this system age them beyond their years
And oceans of despair form from their families tears
The things I see are mothers’ worst nightmares
And they are not the only ones these horrors scare
The pain of this vision leaves scars deeper than falls down project stairs
And the very fiber of the family is the seam it tears
Buildings made of concrete and steel
Cause deep gashes that never heal
By expressing my sight it is my hope that my pain you will feel
Listen with your heart if you will?
Because the things that I see just should not be
I can open your eyes but you have to see
Time may change but there are some that won’t ever be free
Unfortunately this is my reality!
