Still Standing

You put me on a pedestal

Out of your selfish need

Not expecting the upheaval

Of rebellious minds I’ll feed

Unbound by your rulebook

I refuse to perform rote

Your tried and tested methods

Thieve my right to emote

Don’t hand me the power

Unless you relinquish it whole

I don’t want your half-truths

Play-acting is not my goal

You strip me of my license

Again, a path I’ll find

Rising above the dissonance

I will speak out my mind