Chains chafe my skin
My blood mixes with the sweat upon my back
Both rivulets running down and racing to the dry dirt
My burden affixed upon my shoulders

Years passed, burdens carried
Families torn asunder
Scars standing tall
Upon my darkened skin
Freedom looms
War looms

Years passed
We are free
The chains destroyed
Their memories palpable
The weight has never seemed to disappear

Years passed
He fought
She fought
They died
We fought
We won

Freedom!
Upon my shoulders,
A burden no longer
Upon my back,
No blood, nor scars
The chain long gone

We fought
We won
We are free
Yet never shall we forget