backwards

i had a point
but i think i forgot
who it was for
so i took a step back

collapsed under pressure
denial i knew
a mindset adopted
no one could tell me it’s true

presented with madness
i fight against choice
the hurt held too long
changed the tone of my voice

fleeing merely lasts a moment
trouble waits for my return
no one wins when the bridge collapses
the backbone of truth lit then burned

if only a phoenix
could rise from this ash
stronger than ever
no longer abashed

the spirit within
has lost all its color
dull and morose
only growing older

wicked are women
who speak up of late
stay seated, look pretty
progress all but deflated

chances once taken
now seem so absurd
stifled and silenced
told “don’t utter a word”

diminished and broken
with no sense of self
democracy waning
does anyone know what’s next?

stop all the judgement
no one devoid of sin
pride is now ruined
consumed by the devil within

don’t say you can’t hear me
my cries echo for miles
if you dig deep inside
you would see our demise

a collective of people
all lined up in a row
they showed up for the rally
and found only ghosts

the illusion of power
supported by greed
resounding suppression
the monster we feed