Defiance

I have journeyed long and hard

Living on tears

The sun bakes my soul

Like an oven making bread

I am a woman of substance

A substance formed in pain

I blame no man, no woman

No circumstance

Only myself and my poor choices

Write about me

Sing about me

Lie about me

Slander me even in jest

I remain

Untouched by your

Limiting definitions

Shallow perception

Your lack of knowledge

Your judgement

I am a woman of substance

I know only myself

I lay bricks to build

Destroy foundations that were

Pestle and mortar

Flesh, bone, blood and tears,

Creating mortal images

To represent my immortality

I am a woman of substance

You cannot destroy me….