Choice ~ a poem for National Poetry Day 2021

Thursday, 07 October 2021

Today is National Poetry Day — apparently. This year's theme is 'choice'. To mark the day, I have written a poem on a topic I think about a lot. It's relevant at any time, but no more so than since the advent of Covid-19.

Choice

I am grateful every day

to be living in a democracy
in which exercising choice
is a human right.

For some it takes longer to
be allowed to choose their
path in life than for others.

Those raised or living in
poverty, oppressed, coersive
or abusive circumstances
will find it harder to break free,

But I urge all to try
        — it is your right —

Seek help, if you can. Shout injustice
from the rooftops. It's exhausting, but
worth it — find the strength to help
yourself, the vulnerable and the weak.

I chose to fight — it took a long time
to get away, but I did it — in the end.

I am grateful every day to have choices
to do and what not to do. I hope you too,
if you're being inhibited or repressed,
find a way to make yourself free.

You have a right to choose how to live life;
        — we all do —

For some of us it just takes more effort.
Choose choice — you deserve it.

Thursday, 07 October 2021