FREE BY NTEN MPAMA

Nten is a teenage girl who loves putting her thoughts to paper. Writing is to her what food is to the body. She is a ferocious reader and an avid lover of poetry. She also loves to bake and eat what she bakes. Her faith is probably the most important part of her life. She lives in Calabar with her family.

I’m hurt in places you’ll never see
Broken in ways you’ll never understand
So, I’m sorry but, I’m not sorry
‘Not sorry for standing up
‘Not sorry for speaking
I’m not sorry I’m not the ‘ideal woman’..
The one who caters to your every whim
I’m too broken for that
The flames of life have burnt me too many times
But each time, I arose stronger
Just like the Phoenix, I’ve arisen from my ashes
Stronger and yet more beautiful
So, I’m sorry, those chains don’t hold me
Those laws are not binding on me
I’m a free bird and I choose to soar
I soar because it’s the only thing I have left
My freedom was bought through pain
It’s too precious
I’m not sorry I can’t let go of that
You see, you would never understand my stance today
You didn’t see my tears yesterday
You would never really understand, never
I wore the shoes!
I know exactly where they pinched
So, don’t expect me to bend to your will
I’m too much of a rebel for that
Yes, my rebellion is borne from pain
Pain so deep it wrenched my heart
So brother, this is me..
In all my glory
Hurt,
Broken,
Burnt,
Rebellious,
Free!!
©Nten Mpama

Read Nten’s personal experience titled My First Time