author’s note:

I wanted to honor this day, our Independence Day, by re-posting this poem.

I first wrote this poem two years ago.  I am still working toward my freedom.
 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

I have not yet
abolished terror, but
I plan to accomplish that goal
within this life span.

Don’t tell me I can’t—tell me
many things—that I can’t be
a gourmet chef or a mathematician—
that I can’t master the two-step—
that I can accept

but don’t tell me
I won’t conquer
terror—because

I refuse, refuse
to be terrorized—
by anyone

including myself

including those
who I fault because
they too closely resemble
my mirror.

I will awake,
awake
to the vermin
in my stew,
awake
to the fractures
in my math—

awake to all that is broken—
awake to see how all is round
and can never be broken.

So if you try
to terrorize me
you will only
terrorize yourself.

If you bombard me
I will dance.  That dance
will be my revenge.

But I choose
not
to criticize you.

Any fear I stew
will be reserved
for my own
dining pleasure.

© 2009, Michael R. Patton
new steps
soultime spoken