Freedom is when you don't ask permission to be yourself.

she once would speak to earn her space,
to stitch her worth in others’ gaze,
to chase approval, breath held tight,
a flicker begging to be light

but healing came on quieter feet,
and placed the truth within her reach
not every door is hers to try,
not every soul deserves reply

now silence drapes her like a crown,
she lets the passing noise drift down,
no war to wage, no need to prove,
she’s learned the power not to move

her glow is not for careless eyes,
nor scattered hands, nor hollow ties,
it lives beneath, a sacred flame,
untouched by doubt, untouched by name

her heart, once wide as open air,
now knows exactly what to share,
its gates are drawn with mindful art,
a chosen few may know her heart

she walks in grace, unbent, aware,
a quiet strength in how she spares,
for peace, once found and held within,
is not a prize the world can win.