No, I’m not allowed to have fun with my friends,
Dad says I can’t trust them.
No, I cannot argue with the elder members of the family,
they say it is unethical, even if they are wrong.
No, I’m forbidden for bringing boys to my home,
they say boys cannot be friends.
No, I’m strictly restricted from going out after dark,
must return home by 6 in the evening.
No, I am not allowed to fall in love,
it can ruin my life entirely.
No, I was scolded for using slang while speaking, at home,
whereas father could use it to command over us.
No, if I need money I have to answer a hundred questions,
the money should be wisely spent.
No, I don’t have the rights to scream at my mother,
but for father, it is his birthright to treat and torture her the way he wants.
No, I am taught how to deal with an angry man in my house,
to be patient and quite till he calms down.
No, I have to abide by the rules and regulations set by the society,
otherwise I would bring shame to my family’s reputation.
No, I am not allowed to feel the emotions,
feelings are temporary, it’ll pass soon.
No, I cannot be myself, I cannot take my decisions,
I am way too young to have experienced the world right?
~Navaparna
Day 7 of Na/GloPoWriMo 2023.
Prompt 7 source: https://www.napowrimo.net/poets-start-your-engines/
Here’s our daily prompt (optional, as always). Start by reading James Tate’s poem “The List of Famous Hats.” Now, write a poem that plays with the idea of a list. Tate’s poem is a list that isn’t – he never gets beyond the first entry. You could try to write a such a non-list, but a couple of other ideas would be to create a list of ingredients, or a list of entries in an index. A self-portrait (or a portrait of someone close to you) in the form of a such a list could be very funny. Another way into this prompt might be a list of instructions.
Here is a list of things I was denied but there were lots of hope and dream that is now left as a dream. Moments became memories and my parents didn’t let me enjoy my teen. They were scared, still are as the world can be too dangerous for a girl but I was always a rebel. I wouldn’t stop waiting for things to happen, I rather risk my life to enjoy and live my life that I know time wouldn’t return back and I cannot keep looking for the right time forever. I understand they want the good things to happen and tries to save us from the bad and protect us all the time but it wouldn’t be wrong if I say overprotectiveness is harmful sometimes. Our parents treat us like their little kids, never realises we are growing older too and we will face the the harsh world one day so let us learn, understand and experience the beginning of the bitter world. For my parents, there are some unjustifiable commands that they would like to impose on their child which is literally irrational and doesn’t make any sense. There are a lot of instances where my parents are the obstacles and I would end up crying and cursing them. So yes I really wanted to enjoy my teen, I somehow in a sneaky way I did created some memories but little did I expect my parents to be supportive until I leave home for further studies later. I’m stepping in my 20s, and I don’t want ruin another phase of life just being caged in this little hometown because I have a long wish list to fulfill these years and enjoy the best way possible!
The passionate learner 