soothed by candle light
on a dimly lit stage
we celebrated the strength we had restored
rejoiced for the voice we have earned
i turned in the streets
to face macho masks
and the same familiar fears
resurfacing
encouraged by the summer warmth
in the sun-showered streets
we proclaimed with pride
the world changed
for the better, into the brighter
i listened to the whispers
to hear another 'i can't'
translating into another life of falsehood
and the same echo of angst
still haunting