I won’t fit in a box just to make people happy
And I won’t wear a label just so they don’t get confused
I won’t hush up just because the truth is messy
And I won’t pretend to feel what I don’t
So there!
I won’t be predictable just so I don’t rock the boat
And I won’t say I am sorry if I don’t really mean it
I won’t ask for more than my fair share
And I won’t settle for one bit less
So there!
I won’t follow the leader unless I flipping adore the leader
And I won’t dance to the beat of a drum that has no soul
I won’t change who I am to make them feel more comfortable
And I won’t forget to cherish the people that understand that
So there!
I won’t flit through life without intention
And I won’t pretend that this is all there is
I won’t hide my essence just to keep the peace
And I won’t accept ugliness as a part of my world
So there!
I won’t carry their bags, I’ve got my own
And I won’t live in some land of denial
I won’t preach what I don’t practice
And I won’t let their opinion of me alter my path
So there!
I won’t stay in the dark when there is a perfectly good light to use
And I won’t take a nap on a really sunny day
I won’t feel guilty for what I have or what I want
And I won’t believe someone’s words over their actions
So there!
I won’t
I won’t
I won’t
So there!!!
© Clearly Composed 2010
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sheena, Graceful Balance. Graceful Balance said: ~ I Won’t…And You Can’t Make Me! **NEW** post at Graceful Balance: http://wp.me/p10SSs-dK [...]
Even without sticking out your tongue, it creates a perfect sense of defiance and a cadence to match … and it’s a perfect tribute to the triumphs of the human spirit.
J.D. Meier recently posted..How Tos on Sources of Insight
*lol* I actually looked for a great tongue picture to go with this and then thought it might be overkill. Thanks, J.D.! Sometimes a lil defiance goes a longgggggggg way.
in our modern world full of “you shouldn’t, you mustn’t….” it’s so relieving to ear a good “I won’t”! I would like to translate this into french, and, with your permission (and a link back to the original) publish it on my baby-blog….. But if you don’t agree please tell me and …. I WON’T
soan recently posted..40 objectifs en 40 semaines pour mes 40 ans
You are so fabulous, Emma. I’ve said you were spunky before, and you just keep proving it over and over. This poem oozes self-knowledge and an unwillingness to play the common games of life. I’m right there with you!
Gail Brenner (AFlourishingLife) recently posted..Are You Ready to Choose Sanity
Thanks so much, Gail. I am glad you aren’t going the common route either. Here’s to taking the scenic one and enjoying every minute of it.
Very beautiful. I love it!
Thanks so much!
You go girlll! Very well done. I especially like the line about not believing folks’ words over their actions. Bravisimo!
Jennifer Brown Banks recently posted..What Are Your Writing Goals for 2011
Thank you, Jennifer! Ain’t it the truth that no matter what someone says, it’s how they behave that speaks volumes? Actions are indeed louder than words.
Hi Emma! I’m a fan of your gorgeous writing style but this poem hit the spot. I love your rebellious attitude. Really liberating and deliciously freeing. Thanks for the inspiration. Loving blessings!
Andrea DeBell – britetalk recently posted..Kickstart an Abundant Life the Easy Way
Thanks very much, Andrea. Each line is a foot stomper for me and sometimes a good foot stomp is just what a gal needs to remember she’s a visionary creator of a magical life.
Warmest blessings to you too, lovely lady.
Emma…
Whew… can you ever say defiance girlfriend. Loved it! Na na na na na na. So, how much fun did you have writing this? I’m going to have to say “so there” to someone today just to see how it feels!
Thanks for a beautiful read. I adored every bit.
~Theresa
Theresa Bradley-Banta recently posted..Shameless Self Promotion- Here’s Your Opportunity
*lol* I admit it, it was oodles of fun to write this and I felt pretty sassy too. When the inner child and the “adult” writer come together, we have a darn tootin’ good time. Thanks so much for joining in the happiness tantrum with me!
I am a stubborn person … and so often people take stubborn as a negative trait.
It is not always negative, I love your positive take on being stubborn.
Bearyweather recently posted..The Cache is Up
Thank you, sweetie. I think stubborn can be seen as a pretty high form of self care and love in some cases. Refusing to settle and ignoring the demands of those you don’t value highly is a way of honoring your own wants and needs and nope, there’s nothing negative about that!
Hi Emma,
I love it!
I especially love the line “I can’t carry their bags, I’ve got my own.”
Awesome!
Evellyn
Evelyn recently posted..Dr McDougall’s Right Foods Vegan Soups Review
[...] Clearly Composed (Emma) at Graceful Balance shares an awesome poem entitled I Won’t and You Can’t Make Me. [...]
Nice poem, and specially this line,
“I won’t preach what I don’t practice”
this is pretty much i was talking for the last month or so, as we health bloggers give out loads of tips and ideas, but how many we follow ourselves?
some very good thoughts in the compilation but forgive me for saying it, but i don’t totally agree with it, I mean,
“And I won’t take a nap on a really sunny day”
why not?
Uttoran Sen @ Current Health Articles recently posted..Best Baby Care Tips