Freedom

by Michelle Zhang, 12

Freedom is not quick and easy 
But a dreaded choice 
You can stall 
And stumble 
And even fall 
But the choice will never waiver 

Freedom can elude the rich, the poor 
The kind, the cruel, the young, the old 
I’ve grown sick of “Go with the flow” 
As the dead fish do 

Freedom is not a crown 
It is a scar, and it comes with a price 
If a pig eludes slaughter
Who’s to say a wolf wouldn’t change that? 

Freedom is a sinister queen 
Prided in one too many “Her most royal majesty’s”
Stories describe her greatness 
A face-to-face meeting could not be more different.

Warren, NJ

*This piece was the first place winner of Voice & Verse as well as the third place winner of Freedom of Expression, 2024 writing contests.