Scared, Yet Unbroken

Scared I'll be the burden that they name, Scared my laugh will call them to complain; Scared they'll put my heart aside as blame, Label me "unwanted" in their frame. Scared my life will slip to average size, Scared to dim beneath another's eyes; Scared to marry only to economize, Scared my worth will fold into disguise. Scared to mother in a life of small designs, Scared our days will tally like thin lines; Scared the future's gate with quiet signs Will close on dreams and file them under "fine." But listen, fear is not my final song, I am more fierce than what they think is wrong; I will shape my name, I will stand strong, I will claim a place where I belong. Not just a woman boxed to fit their plan, Not merely measured by a nameless man; I am a storm and I am also land: Owned by no one, steady where I stand. So, keep your judgments, I will keep my flame; Turn your "burden" shouting into my name. I will not vanish; I will not be tame, I will live loud, exact, and boldly claim.