Word Freedom
by Pat Wright
Patrica Wright reads her poem Word Freedom
What are you afraid of?
Please tell me
Why do you fear them?
They should be free!
Those little letters
Of the alphabet
Are Just words.
They’re not a threat
They’re strung together
On that page
All making words
No need to rage.
They tell a story
of my pain
but they are stifled
and I cry in vain.
Let them live
Let them be heard
Free them to roam
Don’t be absurd.
They are only words
Powerful and strong
A ban won’t help you
You’re in the wrong.
No need to be fearful
Do you not know
That words should be free
to allow us to grow.
Pat Wright, B.Sc., M.Ed., is a trailblazing educator, equity leader, and union pioneer. A Fellow of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF), she was the first Black elected official to the OSSTF/FEESO Provincial Executive, representing members nationally and internationally. With decades of leadership in anti-racism, community engagement, and education, she has co-authored equity resources, trained leaders across sectors, and continues to uplift communities. Her work has earned numerous honours, including recognition in Who’s Who in Black Canada and the John Holland Award for Community Service.
