CHAINED DREAMS

I had a dream that soared like fire,

But the world dimmed its fierce desire.

They whispered rules with every breath,

Tying my wings, in fear of death.

 

I walked with hope, my heart alive,

But judgment taught me to survive.

Each step I took was watched, weighed down,

And soon my spirit, too, was tamed...

 

I learned to shrink, to hide my flame,

Afraid I’d be called by name.

A dreamer lost—too bold, too proud—

Crushed, beneath the weight of the crowd.

 

We’re told to aim, but not too high,

To fit the mold, not touch the sky.

Young hearts are pressed to match the pace,

Caught in life’s relentless race.

 

In silence, we bear unseen chains,

Beneath the surface, are hidden pains.

We carry hope the world can’t see,

Yet fear their scorn, and cease to be.

 

But in the end, when the world is still,

I’ll climb the mountain, reach my hill!

Though the world may never know!

I'll bloom where only hope can grow!

Ramiz Anwar XI O B