She Wore Shackles

She wore shackles By Michelle Morris 27/06/2020 She wore shackles her whole life: Shackles of being a good daughter, mother, wife; Of being there for everyone, No matter how she was doing; It never seemed to be her time; She felt like she was an illusion... Demands for this, Demands for that; Taking, taking, taking From her; Never giving back. She felt constricted, trapped and shamed, For wanting more for herself; For wanting her own name... Not daughter, mother, wife; Not friend, colleague, Miss Do-it-right; Not always there for you; Or just another female; Not So and So's something, Or the friendly, reliable neighbour... She wore shackles her whole life... And then one day she took them off, And walked out into the light... Free at last, From everyone, Free in her own right... No more shackles - Just freedom, To enjoy with all Her might... © Michelle Morris, 2020