I studied Politics at degree level
But I like to rap and rhyme, play the drums and wear my pants low
I’m in the corporate world working as a Business Analysis Consultant,
But I like to hang out in “the ends” and catch nostalgic moments of the past struggle
I speak eloquently when I’m in business or have something of real importance to discuss,
But I can easily break out into street slang and a “hood tone”, if and when it might be required
I used to think that I had to hide all of these different sides from each other
I used to feel like I couldn’t introduce one to the other
I used to get confused about who to bring out and when
Perhaps I have become a very skilled master of identity shifting
I used to feel that I had to suppress all of me, just to be accepted into specific environments or to be successful
I walk around government offices where ministerial children / Princeton type graduates, walk around in hoodies whilst I adorn myself in a 3 piece suit
You couldn’t have written this back in the day
They remind me of a freedom I always wished for but could never indulge in, out of fear of rejection or discrimination
Or is it me who has learnt to hide behind an exterior image?
Today, I feel the urge to become one
To allow all of my being to breathe
To set all of me free from past chains of assumptions and judgements
I think perhaps that I might have been my biggest judge and jury
I’d like to change the verdict
I like to declare myself free
So beautifully written, Catrina.
I can relate to feeling as though you have to suppress yourself to meet other’s standards of successful. This is inspiring.
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You are definitely a girl after my own heart. I see you. Stay inspired and keep on sharing your beauty through words x
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