If they say dignity is fruit to one’s individualism,

Then why do they hold me in chains?

They raise me in the proper ways but then they pull back the reins.

“We trust you! We trust you!” they scream all aloud,

But when I make my own decisions they’re never ever proud.

If they say dignity is fruit to one’s individualism,

Then I am indignant! Then I am a slave!

If I don’t brush my teeth and eat my veggies then I am misbehaved.

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, behold my broken smile,

Behold my tears of sorrow! Behold! There’s no hope for tomorrow.

If they say dignity is fruit to one’s individualism,

Then why don’t I have a voice? Why I am I given all these options but yet left without a choice.

Believe when I say this is more harm than good,

To have a voice, to have a stand, but left misunderstood. 

-Reba Paul