Work Still In Progress Poem by LILLIAN SAID

Broken, misused
Afraid and confused
Still my life is richly with purpose infused

Crushed, torn
Sometimes afraid to go on
Still I believe there’s a reason why I was born!

Exploited, depressed
Often misunderstood or oppressed
Despite that, I am here whether awkwardly dressed!

Labeled, called names
Target of some humiliating games
But look, my dynasty did not go up in flames!

Told I should be seen and not heard
Reminded that I'll stay a flightless bird
I’ll make my point even if my speech my come across as slurred!

Blinded by fear
Ridiculed about the wrong gear
You do see me still standing here?

Pushed aside, forced to hide
Often the victim of another’s foolish pride
But come tomorrow I will take on challenges in my stride!

I’ve been gone, but now I am back
My strategy was never to be a surprise attack
I will never again make a mistake to backtrack!

Bent over, not broken down
Still the heiress to the Royal crown
Right here is exactly where I belong

I am all woman, can't you see,
I am who I am supposed to be,
You better get used to seeing me.