I Fought

As a young child

I stood upon the shore

staring across the waters

wondering

wishing

I knew what was on the other side.

As a teenager

I was told what a girl could do

should do

was expected to do

I wondered why the rules were so different.

As a young woman

I married a man

who did not love me

who controlled me

who dominated me

who damn near destroyed me.

I fought to get free

I fought to break the chains

I fought to reclaim my life

I fought once more 

for the wanderlust in my heart.

Now I am here

in the waning years of my life

once more upon the shore

ready to lay my weary bones down

to slow down

to remember

the travels I fought so hard for.

Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash