I must cross-over
I can't breathe on this side
smog is all around me
no fresh air does abide.

I must cross-over
they won't leave me alone
loudly they knock on my door
and shout: You can't be on your own'

I must cross-over
they say further: ' Don't be stubborn'
but they've never met or known
me-- and they dare declare: 'You are rotten!'

I must cross-over
I'm beginning to lose my voice
the cacophony is chocking me
I'd die soon from their ceaseless noise.

I must cross-over
though they've built a barricade
by the still of midnight
I'll bypass them through my secret gate.

I must cross-over
they would leave me no mental space
they are the mind-raiders
they would stalk me in any place.

I will cross-over
to the side of my choice
I won't allow them to dissect me
in their mind-lab--I'm free to find my own voice.