Thinking you have won,
You laugh and say your terror has only begun.
I am tortured, hanging by chains,
You say you wish to inflict upon me a thousand pains.
I hear the cries of those I cherish,
Not wanting to cry, not wanting to perish.
Half has given up, what of the other half of me?
The other half still pushes on,
And will not relent until injustice is gone.
These chains only strengthen me.
Thinking you will win,
You become giddy as your new rein will begin.
Gloating while others cry,
You smile at my chains as I try,
To break away, struggling through,
You snicker at my sweat and face black and blue.
I'm too tired to keep trying so I stop,
So exhausted, I only hang and drop.
In pain I close my eyes,
Nearly come to tears as I hear their cries.
You chuckle as I try to break free.
These chains only strengthen me.
In my wave of anger I see all,
All who cry out, who do not wish to fall.
My eyes are set afire.
You, you are arrogance, suffering, cruelness, hatred, and desire.
You, who have brought many down,
Only stepped on others so you may receive the crown.
These chains only strengthen me.
Pulling, urging with all Life's might,
I see fear inside your cold, dim light.
My fire has burned and you are in the way.
Your face is no longer joyful and gay.
For now you see, I have broken free,
I say, "Let us see what tortures you have for me."
You scream for me to be bound strictly.
I smile seeing that your face is sickly.
Warning you not to bind me,
I whisper, "Fool, these chains only strengthen me."
Hannah Bryson Price
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/these-chains-4/
