Freedom Poem by Tonya Helms

You see I’ve changed
No longer am I a bird in cage
My wings have spread and I’m ready to fly
No more long goodbyes
No more short hello’s
It’s all about my happiness no more woes
I know I can’t see what the future holds
But I know who my future holds
I never gave up on who I can be
I just ran from the grasp of eternity
Don’t want to keep running blindly
Into chaos feverishly
I left that behind when I shook off the dust
I left that behind when I painted over the rust
I picked up a life that I am well pleased
I still manage to fall upon my knees
But you see I have changed
Not a little bird in a cage
I am an eagle ready to soar
I am a canary ready to sing
I am a red breast who stands with pride
I am a swan who is beautiful out and inside
I am a girl who has blossomed into a phenomenal woman
I am virtuous and upstanding in this world
I am no longer that sweet naïve little girl
You see I’m changed
No longer the bird trapped in a cage
No longer filled with anger or rage
I’m free…Thank God I’m free.