This poem is about someone who made me feel fragile, even though I know I am powerful and strong. His effect on me was terrifying; he had a way of making me feel muted, like my thoughts and emotions were dulled. I'm so glad I finally figured out how to put all of this into words; this has been a jumbled mess of emotion tumbling around inside of me for a long time and seeing it written down in real words is wonderful.

He was trying to be nice when he praised me

For my beauty and my smile and my modesty

But honestly

I would much rather be called

Strong

Smart

Fierce

Independent

But he wanted me as a pendant

To be hung from a chain and shown off

Swung back and forth in front of people's eyes

To hypnotize

To be his prize

His quiet, obedient, ladylike prize

But I am not a quiet person

(Unless I'm around someone like him)

And I'm not an obedient person

(Sorry, Mom and Dad)

And I'm not a ladylike person

(I need shorts under my dresses)

I don't know what it was about him

But he turned me into a dandelion puff

A tiny, fragile dandelion puff

But I don't want to be a dandelion

And I don't want to be a cowardly lion

I just want to be

A strong, smart, independent

Fierce lion.

You told me I was beautiful

And you were right

But I already knew that.

e.s.