a canary escaping the confines of its cage
yellow feathers floating, swirling, landing softly
like snowflakes on a child’s nose

wrists twisted, handcuffs broken
chains released, a neglected gem out of the shadows
potential unlocked

scars washed vigorously with soap
the marks of unfair ownership
faded yet never completely gone

sewing needles replaced by pens
aprons interchanged with suits
no longer silenced

free