Unshackled

I am Joe, an atheist,
unshackled and free,
No more fear, guilt, shame, or self-hate inside of me.
I've found happiness in my own way,
With my wife and two daughters

Ryleigh and Stella are my religion now.

But each week I drive by that small country church,
Where I was raised, and left in the lurch,
Feeling a great melancholy, despite my liberation,
Still haunted by the echoes of religious damnation.

But I am a man of my own mind, with my own thoughts,
No longer confined to old superstitions, and life long sought,
I am free to explore, to learn, to grow,
To seek my own answers, and let my curiosity flow.

I am bewildered by the close-mindedness of some,
Who shun me, even though my heart's filled with love for everyone,
My own family, treating me as if I've turned evil,
When all I've done is seek the truth, and peace for all people.

But I am not alone, for there are others like me,
Whose hearts are free, and free to see,
And we stand together, strong and united,
Even if the world still feels divided.

For we know that love is what binds us all,
And we carry that love within us, standing tall,
With our own beliefs, and our own ideas,
Embracing diversity, and rejecting all fears.

So let your heart's light shine, as bright as can be,
Be true to yourself, and to others, kind and free,
For in the end, it's the love we share,
That makes us who we are, and shows that we care.