Freedom

Artwork by Josie.

the skies
paint this picture
you think about the clouds
drifting away from each other

the wind is strong enough to tear them apart
in it you hear the echoes of the past
“no more,” it says

the way it sweetly ruffles your hair
and clothing
making you feel small
but not 
in the way others have made you feel small in the past
but 
in the way healing reminds you that 
it’s ok to be broken
and vulnerable

while the people who never saw you for you begin to fade
you embrace this softness
and stretch your arms forward 

and the head is the last thing to be propelled by the wind
and you surrender
and you look up
a pretty picture ◆

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Zawadi Bunzigiye (she/they) is a multi-disciplinary artist based in so-called "Canada". In her art, she likes to focus on home, the body, the journey towards freedom. Her work has allowed her to be featured in art exhibitions and be published in multiple youth magazines. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing at OCAD University. Find her on Instagram.