They told me to pray

and when I used my own words

they grumbled, no – not that way.

They told me I must nurture

so when I cared for myself

they said my intentions were impure.

They told me to obey

but when I listened to my breath’s needs

they insisted: “to a man!” — with dismay.

They told me to be quiet

so when I began to honestly speak

they insisted sins are only uttered in private.

And so

I chose not to stay.

I live in the freedom of

fully being me in this way:

the wise knowing of my soul;

the dancing wind of

each spirited day —

I am my own keeper

a goddess within me

who knows her own way

her own breath and sensuality.