Perception & Preservation

Photo by Paul Garaizar on Unsplash.

It’s just perception and preservation,
ain’t it, Baby? —
the way we move and crawl.
Our bonded limbs
and tensioned minds
stunted steps through bars and walls.
But don’t sweat, Sweetheart,
no — don’t despair.
They told us this is Freedom,
the way we’re impaired.

It’s just perception and preservation,
ain’t it, Baby? —
the glow that fills our eyes.
A pair of lips, the reddest rose,
in the hopeless hours
of a lonely night.
But don’t sweat, Sweetheart,
no — don’t despair.
They told us this is Love,
no need for closeness anymore.

It’s just perception and preservation,
ain’t it, Baby? —
the way we feel alarmed.
Our anxious herds
primed for panic
anticipating harm.
But don’t sweat, Sweetheart,
no — don’t despair.
They told us this is Safety,
their oiled slides and armored doors.

No — don’t sweat, Sweetheart.
Please don’t despair.
They told us this is Freedom,
the way we’re impaired.

They told us this is Freedom,
Darlin’,
the way we’re impaired.