My Power to Fly

A Poem by Helai

Do you remember me? Yes, it’s me,

The one you beat, the one you choked,

The one you blamed for every wrong,

The one whose heart you left to suffer long.

It’s me, the girl you saw as less,

A being you claimed was only to impress,

It’s me, the one you chained and bound,

Whose voice was silent, never found.

It’s me, the girl you cut and scarred,

You tried to break me, but I’m still standing hard,

It’s me, the little bird you caged tight,

But now, I rise, and I take flight.

Watch me now, see my wings unfold,

Forged in pain, in blood, in tears, in screams untold,

Nothing can break what I’ve become,

I will fly free, though you tried to make me numb.

I’ll break the cage, watch me break free,

I’ll shout for my rights, my happiness, my plea,

Enough of ignorance, enough of the chains,

I claim my freedom, I claim no more pain.

Freedom is my nature, my soul’s design,

It’s a gift from the heavens, now it’s mine,

With wings of power, with strength to defy,

My power to fly, my power to fly.

Original art by Helai