Image credit: Kazitafahnizeer/Shutterstock.com

These many years the boundaries
of my suburban life have held me in
And I must admit some security
attended such limitations
I would tend my house and garden
Feed family and nurture all
Except me, except me

I understood that this
was how things ought to be
But standing by the fencing I stretch
and wonder for some moments
what it might mean to be free
A loss, some pain
A taste of piquancy
But would other kingdoms
hold me in their thrall
or say this is not my place at all
That only others dare to tread
such golden paths
And many yet may come
Except me. except me

Such are my everyday dreams
Small, cherished fantasy
As the sun ascends the sky
then even so one day may I
If I should dare to tilt the universe
and face the mirror back so flagrantly to me
I might yet aspire
and find the fire
given to others so free
Except me, except me

(c) Helen valentina 2016