a judgment on me

to be free
is to live open ...
to hurt and pain
to suffering and sorrow.

to live free
is to breathe in the air of fresh possibilities
of ridicule
and constant challenges.

why then undertake this effort?

the universe, in its infinite glory
demands this of me.

for the rewards of freedom
are bountiful.

love, truth, beauty
these are open secrets
not held in temples or prisons
but in the hearts of men and women.

for freedom is the ultimate destination.
not life, not even death
can deny me of this.

opening vulnerabilities means
no fear.

steadfastness in the face of extreme prejudice
is being fair
being honorable
being alive
at the core of the being.

no more defenses
no more offenses
just living in the right.

anarchy
is more about freedom
than chaos.

if the system undermines
be steadfast, my heart.
all is well.

if the course is long,
persevere.

if strength fades
borrow from freedom and hope
and walk
and run
and fall
and rise
and walk again.

this is how we live.
this is what we choose.

this is us
me and you.

i trust.
i am open.
i always will be.
i promise.