Tonight he sleeps beside me

Eyes closed 

Breath even

Low murmurs

Shaking

He’s aware of his surrounding

Even when his eyes are closed

He sense ill-intention

Startled awake 

By a strangers’ desire

He rushes back to life

Knife in hand 

Ready

His lonely heart keeps beating

Trapped in a cage of fear

To keep this bird from singing

They have taken his voice away

Yet, he’s ready 

To take up arms

To render himself useful 

If only to gain a moments’ rest

To dream 

Is to find freedom

As he sleeps next to me 

I hope this bird flies freely