In-Dependence Poem by Jouhar Sadath

They say, 'You are independent',
But everywhere, we are in dependence.

They say, 'You have the freedom to express',
But they locked our tongue tight

They say, 'We respect your dignity'
But they ripped it into pieces,
In the marketplace of power.

They say, 'You walk in equality',
But the path is asymmetrical,
Paved only for a few.

They say, 'Our voices matter',
But they lower the volume
When the truth becomes too loud.