Permission (A Poem by Karah Ballew)

Editor’s Note: This is a poem by El Paso’s Karah Ballew.

I’m not asking your permission
To be who I really am
I’ve had strength enough to find me
And I won’t be lost again

I’m not asking your permission
To live a life I am fulfilled in
I won’t filter my ambitions
Through the lens of your religion

I don’t need your acceptance
I don’t need your validation
Or your support for my existence
Or your promise of salvation

I no longer need approval
For the things I want to be
I do not need your signature
To allow me to be free

My life is not your project
I am not your possession
So don’t you be surprised when
I don’t ask for your permission