And every breath
Spreads fire through her chest
Inflaming her identity
But burning away her sleep

And every step
Leashed the stars inside her soul
Scarring her integrity
But still she didn’t weep

And every word
Enraged the hope inside of her
Harassing her abstention
But still etching out her name

And every lie
Screamed of beauty lost in her
Burying her intentions
But acknowledging her aim

And every glance
Painted pictures on her mind
Steeling her perspective
But showing her the world

And every breath
Still spreads fire through her chest
Ever searing—yet reflective
Whispering: ‘you’re not just another girl.’

10/6/13
-e.n.b