Because of our English

They cannot silence our own language.

Written by Renee Walden

We’ll cut your tongue.

Orphan us from communication.

We’ll cut your tongue.

Crucify our words until they become a martyr unintended.

We’ll cut your tongue.

Let the taste of fresh arepas dissipate into an empty mind.

We’ll cut your tongue.

Tame the beast that is my language.

We’ll cut your tongue.

Strip me of my sentences until I am bare.

We’ll cut your tongue.

The native device that cups my thoughts doesn’t conform.

We’ll cut your tongue.

My empty mouth was never meant to satisfy.

We’ll cut your tongue.

So I’ll use my teeth to grasp each letter I cannot form.

We’ll cut your tongue.

And I will resist.