I early chose refusal to a role
that mis-portrayed the person in my soul.
I recollect resisting Mom’s conceits,
rejecting school and synagogue entreats,
combating tries to channel or cajole.

They erred, and I was forced to take control.
I knew if being loved was any goal,
I had to be myself, in falls and feats.
I early chose.

And when advised to fake it (like a mole
in mask who’d sneak-collect approval whole),
from cousin counsels and best friend repeats,
I didn’t bite – I needed other eats.
I couldn’t value love I’d know I stole.
I early chose.

(Rondeau)