Writing Prompt: Dramatize a Formative Moment in Your Life

When I was born, I was put in a cage.  

People would torment me.  

Point and laugh at me.  

Poke at me over and over.

Call me weird.  

Scream at me if I spilled a drop of water.  

Hurt me. 

When I was 14, I found a key. 

I was able to leave my cage for a few hours a day. 

No one outside knew about my cage. 

I was free for small moments. 

When I would escape my cage, 

People accepted me. 

Loved me. 

Wanted to know me. 

Like Cinderella, 

My time of freedom

would run out

and

I would have to return to my cage

When I was in my cage, 

I would miss the people

who were kind to me,

who loved me,

who accepted me. 

So, I got more creative

I started escaping more often.

Sometimes there would be consequences 

But they were worth it

Because...

For the first time... 

I knew love

I knew acceptance

I knew kindness

Eventually, I escaped the cage for good

The journey was rough

Sometimes it is still hard

But I don't regret it. 

I'm safe now.

I'm accepted now.  

I'm loved now. 

And no one will ever put me in a cage again