A familiar battle with self, present even before colonization.

A constant, mindful choice — restraint in the face of new possibilities after each pull —
to be fair, an epiphany — and a fear:
that the past may never be reached again.
The very past you once defined, and could therefore control.
But now, a slave to another’s definition, another’s control.
Until one is able to remove the self-worn burden.

A reminder that you were always your own —
defined by your ways, your culture.
A realization that you are a freed mind —
free to roam, to be!
Free to take charge, to unlearn, to lead,
to revolt, to take, and to give!