The Haves and the Have Nots

They are a secret society,
A loud parade,
A marching band,
A cacophony
A band of drummers practicing downstairs

They
Have
It

And outside
alone
no noise canceling headphones to mute them
the vibration of their voices and drums fills my body
and I shake, unwilling, unyielding
yearning to be free

Never
Have
I
Craved
Freedom
More

Just around the corner

their whispers are a megaphone

of reminders, constantly announcing:

They
Have
It

I

Have

Not

Although most days
I
Want
Not

I am still outside,
surrounded, drenched,
shaking

without.