To celebrate the 90th birthday of the great Dr Maya Angelou, here is my own humble tribute:

 

Hidden Chains

 

The gilded few breeze through the days,

Don’t fear the night or hardship’s ways,

Unthinkingly waste nature’s gifts

And proudly steal the stars.

 

But those held fast by hidden chains

Can’t lift their eyes above their pains,

Survival supersedes all dreams,

Defiantly they cry.

 

And all enslaved invisibly,

Disabled by their poverty,

Resolve through love and passion

To throw back their heads to rage.

 

The one percent laze on the beach,

New toys and drinks in constant reach,

And never once take pause to think

Of blood that bought their wine.

 

The saddest sight in all the world

Are women, men, boys and girls

Who blindly, blithely masters serve

Yet think they have their freedom.

 

For those held fast by hidden chains

Can’t lift their eyes above their pains.

But in our hearts sing loud refrains -

And we shall find our voice.