Do They Even See? Poem by RHODVICK LUSENO

Sometimes, I wonder
how we ended up here
afraid to speak, afraid to think
afraid to breathe too loud

Power wasn't supposed to feel like this
It was meant to lift
not crush
But somehow
the louder they speak
the quieter we become

I hear people whispering
not because they have secrets
but because truth has become dangerous
Because being honest
is now a crime
with no defense

We pretend everything's fine
We clap, we smile
but inside
we ache
We remember a time
when leaders felt human
when promises were more than just headlines

Now it's rules over reason
control over care
And somehow
we're supposed to believe
this is for our good

But I miss freedom
Not just in speech
but in spirit
I miss waking up
without the weight of silence
sitting on my chest

We deserve better
Not perfection
just compassion
A leader who sees
not just power
but people