(I Don't Need) Permission to Speak Freely

By Katie Garibaldi

Why is it wrong
To “take it to heart”
My heart is all I have
All that lives when I die

Why is it bad
To “be emotional”
I am not a brick
Even though I grew my skin thick

How long can I swim upstream
Knowing I’m doomed to drown
If I keep forcing
And pushing and pushing it all down

“Don’t be dramatic”
“You’re sensitive”
“Don’t take it personal”
“You’re confused”

When that’s the response
To speaking my truth,
Is it any wonder
I told the truth to leave me alone

But why is it right
To wave off the light
As if it’s not God, the Infinite
Who am I to shoo it away like a fly?

How could it be good
To n o t b e w h o I a m
To not say what I think
To be treated like a baby for feeling

The audacity to say I’m giving up
When I’m lovingly letting go
There’s nothing to fight for
Except my own dear neglected voice

Katie Garibaldi is an award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist whose characteristic dreamy-Americana and gospel blend has blurred genre walls, breaking boundaries in the music industry. Also a lover of expression through poetry and storytelling, Katie’s contributed articles to various blogs and magazines. She’s currently working on her new album. www.katiegaribaldi.com/
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