Outside

Outside’s where cars, strangers and the unfortunate lie

Outside’s where some people fear, preferring the inside

Outside’s where others roam contemptuously [not just guys]

Outside’s where some people smoke and beg and cry

Outside’s where things get worse as day turns to night

Outside’s where night becomes hell, and the good turns bad

Outside’s where silence is normal while quiet is absurd (just a tad)

Outside’s where the dark turns oppressive and men turn mad

Outside’s where shadows birth terror, and monsters grow glad

Outside’s where men, women and children are forcefully had

Inside’s not where things are safer if the truth is to be said

Racism, sexism, inequality, even abuse – countless have bled

There’s far to go, things to be changed and people to be led

What can be done? Are we to live lives in perpetual dread?

So rise, my brothers and sisters, and find a wooden stake

To pierce, wound and kill the viciously cruel snake

That torments us as day turns to night, perennially awake

As it watches from the shadows, nightfall to daybreak

Rise, my brothers and sisters, and rid yourself of this sick ache,

Rise, and fight for change, and history you shall make.

Rise for a world that’s safe outside and inside, for everyone’s sake.

Rise, and fight for change, and the monsters shall quake.

Rise, and fight for change, and challenge the outbreak

Rise, and perhaps in violence you may partake.