Hands bound,
ankles chained,
collar pressed against
your vocal cords—
submission.
The only path.
Sunken shoulders,
back against the wall,
tired eyes searching
for an exit in this cage
built over decades.
Dark.
Cold.
Alone.
Captured by fear’s reflection.
A silent neighbor,
whispering caution,
begging you to stay.
Rise up.
Lift your head
and step.
When the weight of confinement
freezes your will,
step again.
And again.
Know this: the cage
was never locked—
you always held the key
in your trembling hands.