Liberated

I had eyes

But could not see

I had vocal cords

But could not speak

I had a brain

But could not think

Until poetry liberated me

I had a family

Who wouldn’t listen

Others spoke for me

Without permission

I had so many feelings

All imprisoned

Until poetry set me free.

The life I lived

Wasn’t mine

The days would pass

Buying time

I had no purpose

Until poetry let me be me

I’m still not popular

But now more than content

My words have purpose

I no longer lament

My world is brighter

Now that poetry has emancipated me.