Cost of Freedom

Rats inside a cage will run one way,
then turn and run the other,
fearing shocks;
afraid of snakes will cower,
tremble, shake.

We, too, dread stimulation,
fear or pain,
say no to something pleasant.
We’re not aware of what
or why we did it.

We simply did.

It seems a strange force took us,
were in the grip
of something vague, familiar.
No love, no hate. Denial makes us guilty.

We’re also glad
to reflect on the costs of freedom:
the gives and takes.