I've been down
So far deep my eyes struggle to differentiate left from up
Buried to my neck, I'd watch scorpions approach
Taunting me with a poisonous end
I've lived on the brink
Borrowing necessities in exchange for my dignity
I've never cowered from opposition, but cried at the thought of my self worth not being self sustaining
And yet, I stand before you
Not blind, indignant, distraught, or ill
I stand before you, standing
And I will never stay down