Birthright

by michaelcahill

Birthright

for this is my home
such as it is
    a hole where a garden grew
           with a mother to till it
             I look within
      for traces of either

father brews his anger
a livid liquid
my siblings consume

cold dishes of recompense
are the fare at our table
         the centerpiece
              Holy and righteous

in the cool mist my quest begins
the night is silent and terrifying
more so than a hail of bullets
for I know they await ... somewhere
they see me

my mates are unknown to me
yet we are of one heart
one purpose

the ocean is vast
our craft unworthy

the Lady calls
   so we imagine
she lights the way
     so we believe
she awaits in welcome
      so it is said
                in hushed and hopeful tones

surely we all will perish

to remain in bondage
or vanish as free souls
         upon the winds of freedom

is that a choice ,,,

I am one of a few
survived
to see the fire
        in the distance

but it is artificial
the lady is stone
she does not move
she does not speak
her eyes see not

there are words inscribed
like the words of young boys
wishing a favor
       promises and vows to lure
to trick
                                            to get

I came to the land
of Lady Liberty
seeking a prince

but it is a land
of Kings

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Recognized

Any immigrant from a war torn country fleeing to America seeking asylum and safety.

NOTE: Without rhyme and meter, you must keep ALL of your other tools in use to give a poetic feel to your piece. Alliteration, consonance, assonance, and imagery are critical to avoid just being words on a page. Meaning is critical, of course, but never forget, this is poetry. I'm talking to MYSELF more than anyone to be honest. LOL

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free verse

A chapter in the book Free Verse Collection 2

Birthright

by michaelcahill

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