I remember

when I was not free

to do what I wanted to do,

not free to be who I wanted to be.

Weighed down

by other’s expectations,

Drowning

by loved ones hopes;

Felt like I was dangling

on the end of a rope

choking on life

as death sought to claim me;

Wished I could just hide

cloaked in invisibility,

Until the Lord

taught me how to fight

and possess what is mine;

Stop putting myself last,

stand in the front of the line;

Claim the whole pie

and eat the first slice

washed down with my favorite drink

on crushed ice;

Then distribute the rest

according to my heart,

The freedom to express as I bless

is a performing art.

Possibilities are limitless

as I claim my liberty.

The world stretched out

a red carpet on a never-ending sea

where I set sail on course to fulfilling destiny

to find the place

where all I am is all I was ever meant to be.

© D.L. Lunsford