Demanding Choices

I chose to be driven

I chose to be hounded

By workaholic work ethic.

I chose this research

I chose to expand it

I chose to embrace it

I chose to be obsessed.

I remember my sister

Who said she had no choice

But to choose nursing.

I remember my mother

Who said she had no choice

But to choose the factory.

I remember her mother

Who said she had no choice

But to choose to maid and serve.

I remember my choices

And they hound and chase me

And I rejoice

That I am able to choose

As my mother and ancestresses

Never could choose,

Choose as I have,

Choosing non-choices.

Ann Lawless