Choked

Caged, tethered, dogs, cats, birds,
their lack of freedom seeping
deep into the sepia-toned lithograph.

A dog-collared man? The fancier
eyes shimmering, looks on in disdain
‘I can’t breathe,’ man, dog or fowl.

Kneed in the gullet, equality, liberty
fraternity choked. Plus ca change.
History continues in brush strokes

of

hate.