My government is an abuser,

And I, its’ unwilling victim.

Some people tell me I’m wrong,

I should give in,

And go along.

My government is an abuser,

Who hurts me all the time.

Some people tell me to like it.

I should enjoy,…

And commit.

My government is an abuser,

And I should love my abuser.

Some people say I have to,…

If I want a life,

And acceptance too.

My government is an abuser,

Who tells me I’m ungrateful,

And guilts me into staying,

And taking it,…

And praying.

My government is an abuser.

I sit in the corner and chant,

“It’s okay…okay…okay…okay”…

But don’t believe it,…

Not today.

My government is an abuser.

I tire of being its’ toy.

It loves to mess with my head.

It hurts so much,

I wish I were dead.

My government is an abuser,

And I, its’ unwilling victim.

Some people tell me it’s okay,

As it calls me names,

And tries to rape me with shots,…

And covers my mouth,…

And locks me away….

But it is not. It’s not okay!

Not in any time in history,

And no,…Not Today!

K. Aldaya, 7/28/21

(Reimagining of 273. Life is An Abuser)

Picture: By Koshu Kunii on Unsplash; https://unsplash.com/photos/IpaU5b-Ylcw