Ravens stood upon the cross bar
As others circled above
A slave who’d led revolt
Was crucified as a message
To others who’d see
And know
That their lives
Were only worth
What their masters had paid
No matter what they’d paid
Whatever the talents
Whatever the dreams
A slave was property
And could not be allowed
To become independent
To become proud
And however many
Would have to be slain
Slaves had no value, except up front
When the auction ended
And money changed hands
The slave was bound
By law
By the code
To obey
Or die
As the tortured soul
Upon the cross knew
Surrounded by ravens
He’d paid the toll
For desiring freedom
And hope
For a future
Instead of being
Controlled
