So I stand and stare
and beg you all
to try and break me
come on
throw stones
and tell me how I ALWAYS
make wrong choices
tell me that I cry
the tears of an idiot
tell me that my dreams are flighty
and my feet aren't grounded
I double dog dare you
to silence this
sidewalk manifesto

I AM a woman
no stereotypes need apply
yes I have large breasts
but my soul rests behind my eyes
sometimes I cry
but not as often as you would like

Put me in a box
study my nature
you will find no other
like me
let me brood
let me be bitter
let me walk in the grass
to avoid society's highways

Come on
I won't argue with you
let me bow and curtsey
to your whims
be a marionette for your fancy

Damn you for always trying
to explain my deficiencies
are they more numerous than yours
doubtful

Slap me and tell me to remember it
I will
I'll treasure it
pain is truth my friends
and I wear my crown of thorns
with pride!

Rayne