First they privatized the prisons, and I did not speak out

First they privatized the prisons, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a criminal.

Then they privatized the weapons, and I did not speak out—Because the wars were not on my continent.

Then they privatized the news, and I did not speak out—Because I preferred not to look too closely.

Then they privatized the hospitals, and I did not speak out—Because I still had coverage.

Then they privatized the borders, and I did not speak out—Because I had my papers.

Then detention became profitable, and cages became contracts,

And I told myself it was about safety.

Then they came for the vulnerable—

And someone, somewhere, was earning quarterly returns.

And when the system finally turned toward me,

It was no longer about justice.

It was about revenue.

And there was no one left

Who wasn’t already on payroll.