Chains
P.Light
We put our dogs on chains, our bears on chains.
Sometimes even our monkeys on chains.
Traditionally and still where we yet count our prosperity as property,
We keep our chattel on chains.
Chattel? that means Cattle, property, or household goods.
So you make my hackles rise in an atavistic horrified response.
We put our slaves in chains
We put our gypsies and our Jews in chains.
Before we sent them to their deaths.
Today, right now perhaps, we put our
Serbs and Croats and our Muslims in chains,
Even as we send them to their deaths.
Oh you, with elfin face of womanhood just beginning,
What is that round your ankle? Your neck?
That glint of metal, Glimpse of leather, round your throat?
Why 'tis a chain, a collar.
Only you put it there yourself.
You creep my flesh! You declare your willingness to be property, only a household good.
A Pet.
A dog chain round your ankle, a collar round your neck.
No black stolen from the drying plains or lush
dark Jungles ever offered neck and cried,
Oh, Chain me, collar me, Leash me.
So why do you proclaim your willingness to be Property????
Back