to hurt me again
to make me unwelcomed
to build me up
just to let me down
I will never be another notch
on your bedroom post
someone to take the place of
someone else
I will never be second choice
or have no voice

I will never give you the power
to make me think of myself as inferior
to see myself in the mirror as ugly
to question my own behavior
to gaslight me
make me believe I’m crazy

I will never give you the power
to rule –
make me become so dependent on you
walk on eggshells from room to room
to sacrifice everything
even my dreams –
to rob me of my beautiful life