i am strong.
i am patient.
i am brave.
what doesn't **** me--
wears me down to my barest bones.
breaks my will.
makes me stronger.
like building muscle-
wearing down each tendon, each fiber.
until it hurts.
until it no longer works.
Slowly it will rebuild itself.
And so will my pride.
my dignity.
My Power.
I am Strong.
I am Patient.
I am Brave.
What hasn't killed me-
has made me Stronger.
You lose, Claire.