Firstborn Daughter

I carry an invisible badge— the one worn by the firstborn daughter.

There were unwritten rules that quietly paved my way, the ones I accepted without ever knowing I had.

A caregiver— the very first role I was asked to play. Slowly, every member of the house became my responsibility.

Adjustment became the language of my life. Most sacrifices passed unseen, but somehow, that became enough.

As I grew older, so did the expectations. I became the keeper of my family’s honour and pride.

Suppressing my own desires— I mastered that art. For becoming a burden, or even an inconvenience, never felt like an option.

Somewhere along the way, I became a nurturer, walking gently in the footsteps of my mother.

Yet within me, there are still dreams waiting patiently for their season.

For now, I have discovered my calling, and in it, my strength.