The Sad Stage

I've always longed for freedom
not the kind that cuts me away
from the world
but the kind where
I speak
and no one measures my worth
against gender

I long for freedom
not because I live in a cage
but because the ropes
follow me
even on the open stage

I long for freedom
because it feels eternal
to want
without praying
for permission

because I don’t understand—
why being a woman
means my voice is weighed
my steps are watched
my laughter questioned

why must I be restrained
while they roam unbroken

why is duty chained to me
while desire
is theirs to claim

why do we compromise
while they never even learn the word

why must I ask the questions
while they
write every answer
moulded and crafted only
for themselves.