I refuse to make a habit
of being oppressed or oppressive
to wear chains and pretend
they’re bracelets
nothing orange is stylish
these meals aren’t gifts
and these captors aren’t our pals
don’t give a fuck how their day is
or if they’re breathing
that pepper spray isn’t cologne
these beatings aren’t for show
the fire got put out in our cans
but the power is in our hands
till they rob the air we breathe
i’ll stand on the side of action
lessons learned today
mental weakness overcome today
will make a better me tomorrow
for refusing to be broken
and refusing to make a habit
of being oppressed
or of being oppressive
such will keep me free
no matter what they bring