the Caged bride

She stood in a castle, where sunlight rarely reached 

Wrapped up in a dress, she never agreed to keep

A dress made of duty and wrapped in lace

False promises, sewn together, to keep her in place

Wire thorns around her head, a thorny cage posing as a crown 

She’s smiling on the outside, but inside she's in drown

He called it love, but love should not bruise 

She learned quickly, you can lose yourself, when you’re not allowed to choose

Every night, she asked herself if this is all she deserve

 But her soul answered louder, no woman should ever serve 

The darkness of someone, who treats her like less

Making her feel like she's always a mess

So, she prayed to the moon and begged the trees

Is freedom meant for someone broken like me?

Answers came slow, like embers beneath ash

But her hope is a burning spark, no cage can smash

One night she noticed, a flicker of red

 A little bird of courage flapping wings near her head

The red bird showed her a path that she too can have freedom 

With trembling hands, she decided that this is choice she will overcome

So, she sets into the forest that was still dark

The unknown is still vast, but she chose her future over his violent past

Now she walks, barefoot toward dawn

Each step her own, her soul reborn

Once a bride, buried deep in control

 Now a woman, who reclaimed her heart and her soul 

Freedom was never far, just hidden by the illusions he painted  

And with new wisdom, she learned that's her soul is not tainted

And now she clearly knows that she is worthy of love that doesn't hurt.

Sincerely,

Suree

Artwork by Suree Sompamitwong