shiny satin and tiny bows and
full diplomatic power.
I rock the tiara and
the little black dress. I’m
on a mission. My decisions rest
on my authority. I choose
my destiny,
my relationships,
my friends.
to smile.
laugh.
to argue.
cry.
to be silent. I decide
whom I kiss.
whom I fuck.
what words I use. I talk
about what I like and don't like.
I listen.
encourage. I’m
caring,
compassionate, and
self-sacrificing.
But I examine what bothers me, confront
when words should be said. Ask
hard questions
grapple answers
face fears
admit wrong.
And abide—ever abide—when right.
Stand
for myself. I am not difficult. I
have standards. I’m strong.
beautiful.
sexy.
I’m brave.
important.
worthy.
I matter,
not because someone told me, but because
I determine it so.
I’m a work in progress.
Screw up.
Fall down.
With flaws and issues and scars, but
my sleeves are rolled.
I’m getting my shit together. And
if you want
to be by my side,
You need to be working on your shit, too.
