how foolish was I
to make myself think
you had any claim on my body?

my hands will spin gold thread
regardless of whether you are there
to cultivate it for comfortable clothing

my eyes will gleam
the stars of a night sky
bright enough to guide myself home
time and time again

my skin will soften
for the right touch
whether it is that of another
or my own fingers pulling for answers

my hair will be the ribbon
that ties me together
and keeps my pieces as one as the world tries to dismantle me

for I was allowing you into the sanctuary of my body
but it was never yours
never has been
and never will be

and I promise myself
that I will always stand
at the gate of my own garden.