i am a seamstress
and i will stitch your words
into the fabric that is memory
and wear it with pride
the very same pride i feel
when i see my name on my office door
i am a cook
and i will add the very same salt
you added to the wounds
on my hands
from whittling that whistle
i am a dishwasher
and i will use the very same soap
to wash the cuts and bruises i've got
when i beat you in straight sets
i am all these things and so much more
i am the sun
and i will scorch you
i am the rain
and i will heal the burn
i will harm you, yet protect you
for i am not you
i am me, and i am a woman
and that is all i ever can be.
