Strings Attached

Sienna Joshi, Grade 10

Bonds shared in a singular lineage,

Fulfilled with promises, commitments, and ties.

Ties that break.

These strings attached,

Hold me back.

As you brush past the finish line,

I look down at the weight in my shoes that’s stopping me.

These laces,

These relationships,

These labels,

These disadvantages.

Impenetrable knots created by lingering fantasies,

To whom do I have to prove myself worthy in order to truly understand that I am?

If it’s never too late, is it ever too early?

Tripping on the urge to succeed,

Jumping over loose ends laced with violence.

We’re roped in until met with silence.

These strings attached,

Only hold us back.