I want to make a statement,
A record,
A public declaration.

I want to speak
Words that can’t be stolen,
Words that can’t be painted over.

I want to say
What needs to be said,
The truths I hope
Will be heard.

Because I tried everything else—
I tried to speak softly,
Quietly, privately,
And watched each word
Denied, disguised, justified away,

Watched as my character
Was picked apart,
My voice locked up
With the truths I tried to share.

Now I am restless
With this need—
A desire that will not let me go
Until I make my statement,
My record,
My public declaration.