I’ll be ******
If you’ll ever catch me again,
fighting for a man.
Parading him like he’s mine,
as proud and protective
as a mother lion.

I’ve been there before,
And soon learned,
the battle was not worth
the strength of a woman’s
roar.
It’ll only lead to multiple wars,
And feeling lonelier than before.
Ripping away my identity,
gutting me to my core.  

It’s systemic and unfair
and my heart is meant to
do more than just bare.
Bare the control
of your dominion hands,
Always at my throat
at your command.

Caged to perform
In hopes you’ll keep
me around.
You timid lioness,
You center stage show clown.

Behind the curtains
You remove my claws
one by one.
A life used as your attraction,
Losing all autonomy,
Loving as a transaction.