Unlearning

Unlearning

Once I was feral,

Singing loudly

While hunting lizards

In the old stone walls;

Laughter seeping beneath

My wind-swept hair.

I would float carefree

On the afternoon tide.

Arms outstretched,

I glistened, and

Squinted in the sun.

Until I was taught,

By looks of disappointment,

And those long sighs

Through gritted teeth,

To walk softly,

And to know my place.

But no one's place,

Should be watching others

Celebrate their silence.

So, I will fill my room

With the perfume

Of exotic flowers,

Roll up my best rug

To dance loudly

On the wooden floor,

And daubed in fierce colours,

unlearn tame.