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.