Born an orphan by design
the innocence sacrificed for another’s pursuits
a family was found
between the first four walls
               and the next
                              and the next
                                             and the next
until finally stability is refined.
Raised by standards defined in letters
evaluated by predatory minds
Growing to be what others desire
rather than the truth inside.
The heart that yearns for freedom,
finds solace in companions
who weep the same laments.

They know nothing of the ends they seek
They know only what is told to them
                                             shown to them
Sensing there is greener grass elsewhere
yet only knowing grass as a concept,
familiarity can only harm them in the end.

Finally, someone concedes they are good enough
they’ve measured up to a harsh stick
held by a hand hidden
leaving the heard to pursue their purpose,
to sell their value to the highest bidder.
Standing before them, vindicated
They are stunned, bled, skinned, eviscerated
then packaged, stamped and given a grade.