Shackles around my ankles and my wrist. Iron bars on my windows and my doors. I made some mistakes now I am paying for them. My freedom was taken from me because they say I did not listen to the rules of society. I was born with a boot on my neck,  the only chance I was given I took it. Now what I am looking at doesn't phase me. They can't take away what drives me. I have a place that I live but they cannot see. I have memories of what I have accomplished. I see the cost but I have gained more than I have lost. I was born under the sign of oppression but I have learned their lessons. My family is what is important to me. That is why I have to make this dark journey. Every time I get discouraged, I simply withdraw into myself and I find new courage. They want me to despair, they took away the key to the door and they do not care. All I am to them is a number, my life they think it is theirs to plunder. I will not be denied my place. They sit in judgment but I write my own fate. I was given no choice, but with what I have gained my family and future now have a voice. I lifted myself out of poverty and became the man that I had to be. One day this nightmare will be over, then I will crossover to the other side. I will live life again but on  my terms. Until then I will keep going on this journey, I will hold fast to the dreams I keep hidden in me. I will live through the freedom that I keep inside of me.