The Silence

They have silenced the voice of America
The voice of freedom and human rights
They have silenced the voice of Americans
As if we’ve given up the fight

The fight for progress and democracy
Against oppression and autocracy
The right to decency and civility
Without regard to one’s ability

They have silence dissenting voices
With a threat of retribution
They would eliminate our choices
Intimidation is their solution

They have silenced former presidents
The free media and the press
Mass oppression is in residence
The right to march the streets in protest

We will not give up the fight
We will retain our defiance
We’ll demand our civil rights
We will never yield to silence

Jack Random is the author of Ghost Dance Insurrection (Dry Bones Press) the Jazzman Chronicles, Volumes I and II (City Lights Books). The Chronicles have been published by Dissident Voice and others. Read other articles by Jack, or visit Jack's website.