The Forbidden Tree

I was born a fighter

So many a times,

I stared in the eyes of death

Like it was just another face of life

I was born strong

to be a seed that grows

not only in the mud, but in the sand

and bears flowers, even in the hearts of stones

I was born free

Free from the chains of beliefs

The masked realities

Beyond the limits, I could see

The universe was my country

And the world, my city

I was born brave

but slowly then,

The forbidden tree spread its roots

Secretly, making their way to me

Swiftly, crawling up my feet

Fastening my legs

Tightening around my arms

Chocking my neck

Its poisonous fruit

Dripped the drop of fear

in my thoughts

And I learned to be afraid

Afraid, of the known

Forever my lips were sealed

And,

my tongue buried

Under the weight of recognition