They Fight

Through the suffering and through the pain, The torture, the abuse. The cries of strife are unheard, in vain, Menacing, dangling noose. And yet they fight. The ghosts of oppression, deathly pale, Haunt in the dark of night. The echoes resound, the dark, pained wails Ghosts murder, chills of fright. And yet they fight. Fires, harassment, vandalism, beatings Worse crimes unspeakable. Even a name is piercing; an angry word stings. Weapons of hate never dull. And yet they fight. Why? They fight to be able to sit in a restaurant and eat, Without intimidation or fear. They fight to be able to claim their seat, And remain seated front or rear. They fight for a chance at better education They fight to take down signs. They fight to put an end to discrimination They fight to break the binds! For a chance! For equality! To end the caste! For freedom and all it means! For a better future! To move on from the past! For hope! For a dream! They endure the hatred! The violence, however bleak! Because!... It’s for their liberation. United by the cause, the small, the weak Come together and can change a nation. And so they fight.