In this society that demands similarity

The perils of those who are different are myriad and dangerous

The shimmer of hope that gleams in the eyes of those who know themselves

Dies away at the glance of those who seem to know best

We can do nothing to protect the souls and minds of those defenseless against furtive words.

The heavens bend at the sight of those who quake beneath the gaze of those who rule

But even that is useless against the aegis of the wicked

Every word is a blade, wreathed in smoke and disguises

It tears away the bosom of their hopes, rendering them bare and open

Left in the wake of broken dreams and shattered beliefs

Change and difference is a disliked trait, one that is smothered on sight

But for the select few who maintain this such thing

It festers from a lack of sun and breath

Corrupt and dead, forced underground to lie and weep

For this we should all be ashamed

For our sideways glances, and behind-palm whispers that sting worse than full on confrontations

And for these we feel of the crowd and hate ourselves