For Alexei Navalny

Banish me if you must—
encapsulate me
behind your walls of ice and snow,
but know that your frozen prison
cannot contain me.

Take my life if you must—
bury me
under the weight of your lies and your deceit,
but know that your propaganda
cannot survive me.

Vilify me if you must—
revile my name
as far as the wind can carry your words,
but know that your atrocities
will never supersede me.