I am becoming!
Pain became a teacher.
Silence became a mirror.
I started building a house of self.
Piece by piece.
Word by word.
Step by step.
If nobody clap for you, you sef clap for yourself.
If nobody sees you, shine anyway.
Because even the stars don't ask for permission to glow.
I am building independence from all this rubble.
From all this nonsense—hate, partiality, silent watching—responsibility.
I am building my own person, I am becoming my own star.
I am looking back at mistakes like old photos, and using them to construct an empire.
No more sideline; na front row I choose to sit down for my own story.
My voice is rising.
Independence is sweet like fresh palm wine—bitter in the beginning, but clear in the end.
I am carving my path, small small— little by little.
I am choosing myself.
Extracted from my new Poetry Book, All That Glittered, Was Family.
Titled: I AM.
Check out my new Poetry Book people!
