Freedom in Free Verse

I’m from blazing sun
Sweet smoke of barbeque
Meals served family style
Grandma’s peach cobbler.

I’m from a bridge of bats
Who escape at dusk
Truth lies in darkness
Free until the return of dawn.

I’m from live music that stirs the soul
Breathe in the colorful rhythm
Exhale your troubles
When we sing, we are one.

I’m from blood that runs burnt orange
Reminiscent of fire and flames
Souls tied together with a common identity
We never burn out.

But I’m also from guns
Who deliver harsh ultimatums
Gray and lifeless and cold
Kids who fear for their lives.

I’m from humans who sleep on the street
Figures shivering in the night
Nothing is promised
Homeless, not harmful.

I’m from danger in darkness
Head down, do not reply
Be home by sundown
Bats fly free, why can’t I?

I’m from the home of the brave
I’m from angst and sorrow—an open cry
They say I’m from the land of the free
But they also lie.