I had always be dutiful, a dutiful child, a dutiful wife and mother, until one day I snapped and said," Hey What About Me?"

I had always be a dutiful child,
Then a dutiful wife and mother, a doormat so meek and mild.
Always doing what others wanted, walking their path,
Then one day I snapped and took some freedom at last!
Amid pleas and begs for me to stay,
I packed my bags and left anyway.
I fearlessly walked amid strangers, all alone,
I had no one but GOD and me as I journeyed far from home.
I took some much needed ME TIME, to discover who I really am,
I gadly left my life behind and went on the lam.
No one knew where I was, just my best friend,
By telephone she traveled with me from journey's beginning till end.
I secretly met a so-called friend, who turned out to be a total stranger,
He was nothing like I thought he was, I had placed myself in danger.
He bruised my heart and hand, he was so cruel and why I don't understand.
I had confused pity for passion, love for lust,
He sucked out my compassion and raped me of my trust.
He greedily took my offered compassion, then left without a backward glance or a good-bye,
He left an empty shell and aqua eyes that bitterly cried.
Sitting in the ashes, I realized my home life hadn't been so very bad,
So sadder but much wiser, I have learned to find some peace in what I had.
It was my only rebellion, a true learning process,
I found within me a strong Steel Magnolia, one that can stand Life's Tests.

Music: Africa