In this open cell that I dwell
My dreams with wide dark eyes
Yell me
I could fly, if I would
And mock the iron cloak
Hugging my woolly soul
Freedom’s engraved on me
I choke in its velvet waters
So I bleed to be free
The universe, it owes me nothing
It brings me full emptiness
Loud quietness and plenty nothingness
Space and air it carved sufficiently
Yet my slackened buttocks upon this spiky throne
Sits starry-eyed
Still in a stormy solitude
I clothe me in
Nought in this freedom I see
But cuffed cities and chains
And a shackle of liberty!
©Grace Okoliko 2017
