I wish I’d said stop
Stood up for myself
Not drowned in self-pity
But I chose invisibility.

I wish I’d said whatever
Let their opinions fly by
Lived life by my design
But I chose conformity.

I wish I’d screamed
Made a noise
For my voice was worth hearing
But I chose obedience instead.

I wish I had said I love you
So as not to cry
We should have more time
But I chose masculinity.

But I still have opportunities
I can stop whatever
I can scream I love you
Be it virility or norms unbound
Be it life new found or insanity
I choose the choice for a decisive life.