Maybe it's true, I am at fault
when a chore gets left undone
What right have I to ask for more
than duty and obligation
Thoughts as these set the stage
for enslavement caused by guilt
Upon this manner of self abuse
a form of oppression is built
So, demon of guilt, my foe
let us have a confrontation
I challenge you this final day
for control of my destination
Far too long you have prevailed
as I let you infect my mind
With distracting accusations
leaving my fate behind
Unable to fill its purpose
and miserably detained
As age-old bonds of tradition
and methods are explained
You tease that progress does mean change
as I'm forced to remain the same
And those in power assure me
I have only myself to blame
For not accepting a modest life
since the world belongs to few
You taunt, the future is theirs as well
and there's nothing I can do
You boast that I am not allowed
to share in a profound task
My role is to be menial
just why, I'm compelled to ask
Days of hunting and gathering are over
new times have afforded great ease
Survival's no longer so basic
why force me to stay on my knees
Don't get me wrong, please understand
I love being mother and wife
But see this too, in all I do
there's more for me in life
You claim time proves that you are right
so why press on in vain
Why should I seek remarkable fate
instead of the mundane
You insist I be realistic
be 'normal,' but what for
I want to achieve my purpose
be bold, try hard, do more
You think my efforts are futile
but I don't dare settle for less
Than all my dreams can offer
in what my hopes possess
To just ignore them would be untrue
to my nature, faith and design
Inferior demon, surely you see
I must offer what is mine
For whatever aid that it can serve
to a world needing rules to change
To do anything I am able
to expand horizon and range
So this, my sad little fellow
is clearly the way it must be
For you, old friend are mistaken
dreams will not go wasted by me
By Vicky O. Misa
