Am I Free?

Sometimes even with the freedom we have, we live life on terms and conditions. Just because what we do is not perceived acceptable, is it right to limit ourselves just for the validity of others? Are we really as free as we think to be? Between the pressure and criticism from the society we lose ourselves somewhere. The freedom to live life on our own terms is lost in midst of unwanted opinions and taunts…

I wander through identities
Through taunts and screams,
Unworthy decrees of judging species,
Scrutiny’s lens blinds what they see,
Am I free?

My every move is their polity,
Averted eyes gauge
Nothing of their duty,
As life lies bare I feel,
Am I free?

Meagre brains,
Judgements scarce,
Opining on what’s not theirs,
But going on straining lairs,
Am I free?

Freedom given
But not perceived,
My life is but
Just another film critiqued,
Am I free?

As the darkness stares into my face,
Society’s shambles
Rumble through my solace,
Each step is tied down through their gaze,
Am I free?

Riddled with bullets of apathy
My soul lies barren in this hurting sea
The façade my life has come to be
The world controls me.
Just tell me AM I FREE?

 – Yukta Bhandari