“What is Liberty?’

She’s strength. She’s hope. She’s liberty.

And yet, she steps off her pedestal to kneel and reach for the broken chains placed by her feet. With disdain, she clenches the metal knots. This symbolism of freedom only mocks the truth.

These chains reflect the broken lives of her nation. Slaves to lust and ignorance. Slaves to hands stronger than one’s own. Her stronghold of liberty has been breached. The metal indents her palms.

An angry passion straightens her defeated posture. These chains were set aside long ago. Today, her grip is firm. She gazes at the lost souls. Heat surrounds her eyes. She tightens her jaw.

“Liberty”, she says, “What is that?”

All these years, each dismissive look cast the chains at her feet. Hidden and forgotten. Even she was guilty of this. Not anymore.

“Will you pick up these chains"?, she asks.

Her steady gaze tightens your chest. You feel the cold links enter your hands.

“Break them for good.” she says with a tear.

“And whatever you do, don’t lose hope.”

Poetry by Madison Harrison & Photography by Talia Cassell