The Day Of The Rebel

I have toed the line, crossed my ‘T’s, dotted my ‘I’s, threaded my needle. I have listened, taken notes and done what I have been told, I have laid my bed, folded my socks and tidied my room. I have packed my hair in a bun and brushed it away from my face. I have brushed my teeth for at least 2 minutes using a timer, flossed and used mouthwash. I have respected the elders and obeyed authorities. I have been polite, courteous, considerate and deferent. I have complied, adhered and stood in line. I have kept my hands to my side not allowing them to swing indiscriminately all over the place. I have lowered my gaze when I speak and uttered my words thoughtfully and softly. I have listened, turned the other cheek, been quick to apologise, forgive and make restitution. I have stayed in my lane, knew my place and not strayed from my station in life or become uppity. I have ironed my underwear and ensure I only wear my Sunday best on Sundays. I have never stared or spoken to strangers neither have I peeped through the neighbour’s window even when they refused to have curtains. I have kept my modesty and not looked at the opposite sex. I have not stolen anyone’s boyfriend, husband, friend or anybody’s anything. I have stayed well within the pale and not veered anywhere near the edge. I have been good and called ‘nice’. I have never boasted about what I have or tried to outdo anyone. I have never used my car horn even when the occasion demands neither have I uttered profanity when another vehicle cuts me.

But today it all changes. Sit back in your seats and strap yourselves tight, you knew it was coming, I am sure you did! For today is the day of the rebel! I am sure you knew I will not always do what I am told, I will not always listen, I will not always comply or lower my gaze, I will raise my voice and my gaze. I will break it all off, tear myself out of it and go right outside the pale. I will not take a single note, I will slouch in my seat, pick my nose and make strange noises. I will not conform or comply, I will not stay in my station for that does not exist, the whole world is my station. I will pursue my own happiness and not societal conformity. I will validate my thoughts and views and not trade my pain cheaply. I will no longer suppress my bleeding in order to protect your sensibilities, the gory details of all your misdemeanours and maltreatment will be exposed for all the world to see. I will pump, puff and flaunt for it is my day, it is the day of the Gorilla (take that as you like), it is the day of beating my chest, it is the day of the Rebel!

But today I still will not take what is not mine, today I still will not hurt another man, today I still will not vandalise, today I still will not lie, today I still will not abuse my body, today I still will not abuse my mind, today I still will not abuse my spirit, today I still will not abuse my maker, today I still will not abuse the earth I dwell on, today I still will not call black white or white black, today I will still work hard, today I will still be disciplined, today I will still apply grit to my craft, today I will still be fair, today I will still not be a hypocrite. Today I will still be good but NOT nice or gentle for today is the roaring day of the Rebel.

Take it or leave it!

PS was tempted to change the first person noun to third person pronouns but thought “what the heck?” We can’t live all our lives watching where we step.