I reserve the right
To love myself
Instead of you.
I will not fight
You on this matter
I do not owe you
My energy.
I am woman
And I will roar
Only if I want to.
And if I do roar
It will be for my ears only.
I do not roar for you
I do not roar for your contemptuous looks
For your verbal right hook.
I will not be brought down
For all that you claim you can offer me
For I claim that you offer me
Nothing more than a mirror
Of my own flaws.
I see my flaws
And I raise you yours
Right back, now.
Acknowledge your weakness.
Acknowledge yourself.
Acknowledge this:

I reserve the right
To love myself
Instead of you.