This is me, from a childhood marked

By freedom, love, and adventure sparked.

This is me, running down the lane

Through soot and dirt, trying not to complain.

This is me, a good girl at heart,

Playing the emblematic All-American girl part.

This is me, fast forward to teenaged dreams,

With waves of ups and downs, bursting with potential at the seams.

This is me, breathing in that tumultuous sea.

Rage and joy, both present in dichotomy.

This is me, strength is my virtue…

Physical, mental, emotional…

Built up and calloused so nothing can hurt you.

This is me, broke open to all the world.

Insides on the outside, exposed and vulnerable, soul slowly unfurled.

This is me, single and seeking, often quite brazen,

Introverted but not shy, flirty but not sly, somewhat closed off but never taken.

This is me, estranged from Cupid,

Because I pulled an arrow out of my quiver and shot him stupid.

This is me, smiling for the camera,

Trying my best to fake something glamorous…

As spotlights fade and age make us invisible,

May we come to know ourselves as even more beautiful.

This is me, I’m all that you see,

Changing and growing indefinitely.

This is me, faults and scars, and yet,

This is me…unapologetically,

This is me…wild and free.