A short poem by Karen Harvey, inspired by early memories of oppression and a longing for freedom and adventure. Illustration by Matteo Gallo.

How I longed for the
weightlessness of flight,
to feel the wind in my hair
and the breeze against my cheeks,
but you, were determined
to clip my wings.

I can still see us now.
You staring down at me
with the shears in your hand
and me, curled up
on the floor
playing dead.

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