you're free

Alexis Jaimes

Mar 06, 2025

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It is the dissolution of illusion
that my voice
             my choice can be made without permission 
                        without consent 
                                     undocumented 

but 

I can still question the laws 
                                  the cops 
                                       whoever’s in charge 
my god 
            myself 
                        my word is my bond 
                        that my fists will not unclench 
                                    nor my teeth 
                                    that will tear through 
                                    this leash used to lynch them (not us) 
                                    the others are actually us 
                                              bending 
                                                       kneeling 
                                                                grasping at straws 
                                                                          praying something will save us 
                                                                          from the freedom 
                                                                          they called 
                                                                               they rang 
                                                                               the bells toll 
                                                                                      they tell 
                                                                                           they shriek 
                                                                                                they warn 
                                                                                                        you’re free
                                                                                                         to choose:
                                                                                                                salute 
                                                                                                                      or 
                                                                                                              begone

Alexis Jaimes, a proud son of Mexican immigrants, resides in Santa Ana, CA. He is also a bilingual school teacher. He is the author of _Corazón Coalesced_, from Bottlecap Press. His works have been previously featured in Polemical Zine, Alegría Magazine, Loud Coffee Press, San Diego Poetry Annual, Moon Tide Press, ¡Pa'lante! and MUSE Literary Journal. He has also been showcased at Fullerton Museum Center. Through his writing, Alexis strives to empower and uplift his community, using words as a vehicle for positive change.

(From Bottlecap Press's website; edited by Cinnamoroll)

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