I don’t want to be whole,
With you by my side.
I want to be myself
To the very day I die.

I want to be strong
Independent
And free.

I don’t want to lean on you
Or for you to lean on me.

I have never viewed myself
As the type of girl to care
For all the attention,
Flashing jewelry,
And gorgeous hair.

I have never seen myself
As the type of girl that would
Need a man
To do every thing she could.

I will stand strong and proud.
Maybe you’re by my side.
But I will always be myself
To the very day I die.
-ALC December 28, 2016