Dear FSU,

I was educated in idealism
fostered in positive thinking.
I was cloistered in high hopes,
Oh yes - I was good -
Talented.
"She sings like a bird, she writes
so lyrically."
Did I believe them? Was I a fool
to believe?

My University fathers,
grounded their bird,
"No singing!" feet pounding
the ash on the ground.
"No writing!" suited bodies pressed
against the high iron gates, Prison!
I cry, LET ME OUT!

I AM good! Writhing,
screaming, I yell, bleeding
the wrath of a caged
creative soul,
I WILL NOT LOSE MY VOICE!
I will not stay silent.

Oh patriarchs, I spit in
your faces, bearing the
smirks of ones so privileged to
judge and decide
I can only improve if
I use my voice, and
you WILL NOT place your
cracking, firm, cold-as-death
hands over my mouth any longer.