Captured

• Ellis Petrucci, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2021

Rusted iron bars, the knowledge of my existence,
Seeing this cage, but not from a distance.
Imagine this feeling, of having a resistance,
To the life you long to life, without a single subsistence.

Feeling these tears, yet unable to break free,
They hear my cries, but don't hear my plea,
They gaze at me in joy, but can never really see,
The chains hidden beneath my fur, never to be released.

Looking around at this aesthetic home, how natural do you think it feels?
You think my captors tell the truth? It's lies that they reveal.
Listen to these constant cries, my never-ending appeal,
To be taken from my homeland, is a scar that never heals.

So next time you see me captured, and listen to those lies,
There's only one thing to take away, one thing I would advise.
Try to look past the vicious beast, one hidden by disguise,
Just look, please look, and try to see the soul within these eyes.