Freedom of Choice is Necessary

Of all the blessings I have,

one valuable is,

I get to make my own decisions.

If you are born in a system

where you decide for self,

you will not understand

how precious that is.

I was born in a patriarchal setting,

one where choices were often made

by others.

I can't decide

what to study, whom to marry,

when to have children.

I managed to find a voice,

even through

isolation, passive aggression,

gaslighting,

being tagged disruptive,

being called the black sheep,

and other derogatory labels.

It was not fun,

but I can live with that.

What I cannot live with

is giving up my voice

and living in cage,

made by others.

Freedom is the sweetest condiment,

I listen to who I am.