Chelsea Mann, An Unheard Plea

CHELSEA MANN

I sleep inside a warm embrace: A cavern I call mine. It’s become small as I grow big – To leave would be divine!

I’ve listened to the voices of My fam’ly I’ve not met: What muffled sounds? They must be words That I do not know yet.

My mother’s kept me warm and fed While I’ve grown in this place; I think she must be beautiful, Though I’ve not seen her face.

I do not know what she says now – An operation here? I don’t know why, but suddenly I’m overcome with fear.

We’ve been together for so long, My kind mother and I, Why would she try to snuff my breath? Does she want me to die?

I can’t do anything to stop This fate that comes to me; I never had a chance to breathe Or smell, or touch, or see.

A billion people like myself Have died without a word. And no one cries, for no one cares: “Those things, alive? Absurd.”

I don’t know why the people save The lives of plants and trees, Yet have no qualms with witnessing The deaths of those like me?

Why do endangered beasts go free? Why do they get to live? Why, I am one that’s just like you – Where is this choice you give?

Please hear the prayer of those like me – Those voices still unheard, That God would call His followers To make the lines unblurred.