Independant Woman Poem by Ashley Akari

The image of you
Still accuses me,
Stark in the stunned
Shell of my mind.

How could I do it? —
I do not know but that
I do not do;
I am.

I sat and weighed
With my crazy balances
And you smiled with
My teacup in your hand.

Do not smile or
I may forget
That your true love,
My love, is wanting.

For rings and chains
Are both metal-made,
And freedom’s strong
As blood.

So smash my cup
In rage and go—
Go far where
I cannot hurt you.

Hate me, my beloved,
But understand.

You love me
And I am killing you,
For the sake of what
I am.