Walk quickly…
As fast as you can…
But as long as you wear the T shirt
Their chains are around your neck.

Don’t let them cut you.
They’ll bleed you dry
Of energy, of inspiration,
Of all that you are
Outside their world.

Bow your head to the autumn gale
That stings your eyes
And try, for a second, to forget.

You are your own
And your hands are not bound.

You are worth more
Than what they pay you.
More than what anyone could,
Because your life,
Your soul, your heart,
Will always be priceless,
No matter how they define you.

Don’t let them close your eyes
To the world around you.
Or the world within you.

Remember the beauty
That surrounds you every day
That is there for the seeing.
For it is there
No matter how you feel.

And don’t let the T shirt
Tell on your skin.

09/28/2001

Posted on 09/30/2001
Copyright © 2025 Richard Vince