In another world, in another life, 
perhaps I had the choice
to pursue my own path, 
to shape my own fate. 

In that other world, 
perhaps I could steer my life
towards what I love
towards those I love
towards being loved. 

I yearn for that life
where I wasn't wrenched away 
again and again, 
from the choices I would have made, 
from becoming my own person.

Still I pursue that life,
reclaiming what I could have been. 
What I should have been.

Perhaps the path between those worlds
is paved with choices. 

--
Sravani Hotha
4/20/23