Sometimes
it’s hard to accept a gift
For I learned
gifts often came tied with strings
future expectations
future requirements
on my behavior
on my attitude
despite other
confusing unpleasantness
So when I take the package
and unwrap the layers
I accept the twisted strands
and coil them around my wrist
knowing I could be asked
for something in return
at any given moment
Tug.
Instantly
I lose my ability
to say no,
not right now,
sorry, I can’t.
that’s not how I feel.
I don’t want to.
But now I’ve learned
Not everyone feels that way
Not everyone has expectations of return
Not everyone laces invisible strings
around the package
And even if they do
I am not obligated
to tie that string around my wrist
to follow the tug
or to be
anything other
than me
Instead I can watch the strands
swirl around my arm
not a thick string
but a chiffon scarf
that flutters to the ground
For I can choose
I can control
what I am willing to accept
and there are
no strings on me
Know My Worth 