At the rail

How did it happen

That I would stand here at the rail

Looking down at liars and thieves

Years ago a gawky teenager stood here

Looking at the empty chamber with reverence

Now I stand again, different

After a day at work, eyes gritty and tired

I look at the clock, raise my fist

And scream

Surrounded by armed cops

Behind me, around me,

My children waiting for me at home

They lie, these men and women, they would kill me

With their lies, if they could

They will kill my sisters, in their suits, with their pinched faces

I started screaming at a quarter to midnight

I am screaming still

Thirty years ago I walked across the lawn

And looked up at a pink dome

I have since danced on the steps, knocked on the doors

Held the signs and marched and still

Screaming until my chest ached

And my throat rasped

The cops watched and I threw back my head

When my voice was dying and louder

Louder

There is no end

To the strength of my voice

The next day at work

My voice a raw whisper I read

They called us an unruly mob

With distain as if

In this land of the free unruly

Is the worst thing you could be

Murderers in dark suits and pinched faces

Unruly inked upon my heart

I will forever remain

Unruly