The Last One- Sherin Bidar

The first time they asked what I wanted

I picked the pink doll

From the three Barbies laid out neatly on my birthday table.

I had wanted a toy car, but I kept quiet.

The next time, they asked me

If I would pursue Maths or Biology.

I wanted Arts, but I kept quiet.

Then they picked three universities

and asked me to choose.

I wanted to move to another city, another life

But I kept quiet.

Then, like shopping for clothes from a brochure

They laid out six eligible profiles

and gave me two weeks to choose.

I was in love,

But I kept quiet and picked the richest

And married him the next month.

Now, it was his turn

to let me choose.

So, he offered me a big house,

and a luxury car, for my birthday.

And asked me to choose.

I wanted my career back

But I kept quiet.

Year after year,

Choice after choice.

I was pampered.

Until one day

I made one for myself.

Pills or the sea?

And I picked my favorite.

Free, after so long.