All the times I said yes

I believe in never speaking the words,

‘Should have’ and ‘would have’, enemies

Of the Self.

 

Though many were the times

I should have, would have known

Better,

 

Life treated me well. Bad moments

Acknowledged as necessary paths,

To becoming who I am.

 

Now I am asked to ponder and find

One thing I would do

Otherwise.

 

I know exactly what it is and I’m ashamed

To confess: Say ‘No’ all the times I said ‘Yes’,

Unwillingly.

 

A chronic violence to myself,

To please others under emotional blackmails,

Fake rules of good behaviour and respect.

 

I should have, would have liked

To love myself more and find

The bloody courage to say ‘No’,

 

All the times I said ‘Yes’.