The Basic Rights (Of All People) Poem by Eric Cockrell

can we not learn
from our brothers and sisters
in Egypt....

how hard it is to take
freedom back once they take hold?
can we not see the value,

the right to vote and be counted,
the right to speak and be heard,
even at the cost of lives?

can we not see
that this battle is worldwide?
to restore freedom and dignity

to the human race!
the basic rights of all people
to work, to eat, and have shelter....

to breathe, and be human,
are at stake!