It is a family tradition
a tiny gold bracelet with little bells
a bird, a flower, an protective eye,
added at random to the sleek chain
Passed to every newlywed
a reminder to the expectations.

Many years later, the unused bracelet
rests heavily on my hopeless heart
like chains, it holds me a slave
to feel like a failure, even if privately.

Inspired by Day#7 prompt at Toads : Bracelet