When they look at me,
They see happiness,
They see well-fed warmth
They see loving family,
They see college and
A career ahead,
They see class and respect,
Reflections on my parents,
They see athleticism and
Dedication to my team
But they don't,
They don’t see the gilded bars
Caging me into this house,
This life I’m expected to lead.
Holding me back
Relentless, unmerciful.
They don’t see the tears,
The moments, when I can't speak
For frustration
The morals I’ve been taught
I agree with them
But this person they expect me to be
They aren't me
I’m not a puppet
To think what they think
Restrained by strings
Binding, tying
Let me be who I am
Not who you want me to be
Am I even given a choice?
They see who they expect me to be
But they don’t see me.