Make Ready

We are at war
with ourselves
with the world
the push for change
buried under greed
people become property
under the dim view
of gas lanterns
but we embrace the struggle
we ready ourselves
stronger in our resolve
rejecting this narrow space
designated for us
we cast away
the soft voices
the domestic charms
the small, non-threatening lives
intended for us
as we are molded into perfect victims
until we unleash ourselves
more powerful
than those who feared us
teeth bared
claws out
stronger than any foe – Caroline A. Slee