The Day After, Real Freedom Awaits

I AM – a transgendered American,

            when I walk down the streets of my 

            home town I fear 

            being murdered

* I am Not Free

I AM – a black American, 

            when I enter office buildings security 

            staff sometimes ask me if I am lost

* I am Not Free

I AM – a homeless American, 

            forgotten I wonder the streets, 

            seeing judgment in

the eyes of those I meet

* I am Not Free

I AM – a gay American, 

            afraid to hold my partners’

            hand in public

* I am Not Free

I AM – a Muslim American, 

            treated with suspicion 

            when I buy anything

* I am Not Free

I AM – a prisoner, incarcerated 

            for a non-violent drug offense

* I am Not Free

I AM  - a Mexican American, 

            stopped and searched 

            by the Border Patrol often

* I am Not Free

I AM – a Pagan American, 

            afraid to admit my 

            own religion to my 

            friends and family 

* I am Not Free

I AM -  a Native American, 

             confined by cultural 

             expectations and lack 

             of opportunity to a 

             reservation

* I am Not Free

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!