I Have Always Been Free

By Cynthia Jilalo

Growth to me as a child was 

Eating, however, I wanted, 

Watching television, however, I wanted,

Sleeping whenever I wanted,

being free to do whatever I wanted.

Growth to me as a teenager was

talking to boys whenever,

Party whenever, 

Dress however,

Being free.

Growth to me as an adult after

My failures,

My mistakes

And resilience,

Is realising I have always been free.

I have always been free 

To see the world,

To be me,

To have a say,

To grow.

Growth to me is

Appreciating how far I have come,

Appreciating the good things in my life,

Appreciating the privileges I had while growing up,

Appreciating the values instilled in me while growing up.

By Cynthia Jilalo