Permission

Do I really need permission of those who profess their love for me to
Live my destiny?

Is there not some obligation in their being to see that I must
I must continue to listen, bow, be obedient,
Why is that I can see all of them but
None none none
Can see my pain

Damn you
Damn you
Damn you

Why was I born to carry the sorrow of my family,
Why was I born to hear the cries of the world,
To see the darkness of human nature
To not be capable of ignoring the suffering
Why

Can you hear me, can you hear me

What about me
Am I not born of the same humanity as others,
Am I not born of the same needs and longings
I say yes I am

Do you hear me
Do you hear me

I am no longer asking permission.

Lori Ellis-McKinney (2012)