CHAINED

When chains are replaced with virtual mouth gags

and whips with deprivation of social interactions.

When in the place of cargo, is a leper economy aggravated by mobile transfer service shut downs

and in that of white aristocratic masters, are delusional power gripping leaders masquerading as democrats.

When the channels through which contemporary songs of freedom are sung have been curtailed

and the composers browbeaten and incarcerated without or on baseless charges.

When in the place of scars and wounds from whips are pained hearts and souls withered from suppressed internal battles and frustrations

then my friends, we’re in bondage. Slavery never left, its appearance just got better.

When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.
― Nelson Mandela