My world is standing and tall
I am an old cypress tree
I do not shake by the opinions of others
I do not bend at their whispers
I do not stretch to hear their approval
nor hide from their judgement
their thoughts are theirs alone
My power is here
in my belly
roaring with all its might
swing, swing, swing
raging through the night
and the sunlight
but you cannot take my power
it lies here
inside of me
I choose to walk smaller
I choose to walk taller
I choose when I kneel
I choose when I fall
you may swing left
you may swing right
you cannot hit me
you see?
I was never a damsel in distress
do not project your need on me
I will not flee
nothing you can say will diminish my existence
walk away and leave me be