this is not a poem. 

this is not a song.

this is not metaphor, a sonnet, an ode, not a ballad, a rant, not even a dream–

this is a plea. 

I've had the same dream 
Again and again 
Night after night 
And I spend day after day 
Thinking about what it means 

I'm standing in front of that building 

No. 

I refuse to be afraid.

We are so caught in the coming climb

We forget to turn and see the cliffs we've scaled.

I am living in a country where a woman is bracing for a climb to greater heights

every day my friend asks me

how many days.

every day my answer shrinks

and we shudder

willing ourselves to believe in light and truth and good

but can't help whispering

I am nauseous, constantly.

There is a Fear deep rooted in me.

My hands no longer shake in tests

the Fear is bigger than tests now

I want to go to college, let me go

No one can predict 

Our country's future  

Various people watching and waiting  

Eager and scared for the outcome 

Today I am afraid 
For today my life 
Lies in the hands of people 
Who see me as a monster 
A destroyer