Captive Heart Poem by Mary Champion

Who will put your case
sad little heart?
Who will be your advocate
when you cry?
You do not have the words
to defend your stance,
to argue with the ruthless judge
who holds you beneath contempt.

Why are you so cruel,
cold heartless mind?
You know our heart so well
and understand its needs,
but still you will not speak
on its behalf.

You think it can be fobbed off
for forever.
You never will allow
it space to breath.
In spite of all the wisdom you have gained,
you lack the courage
to give our heart its due,
to show compassion
to one as blind and scared
as our dark heart.

How long will it be,
sad little heart,
how long will it be until you burst
the brutal chains of reason that
subdue you?
What punishment will you inflict on us then?