By Aarya Tripathi
Today I want
not the offer of his hesitant hands,
but steady rhythm of my own feet
hitting the ground beneath
as I dance to my own wild beats
Today I want
not your false words,
but a praise of my own will
basking in warmth of sunset
doing nothing, laying still
Today I want,
not a certificate of approval
but courage to be me
giving up the rusty chains
feeling alive, becoming free
So today,
I meet my eyes in the mirror
and take my chance
whispering the words 'you're beautiful'
I begin the journey of a lifelong romance.