A Version of a Woman in Time

Cruelty wears a crown in a cloaked place,
cold-blooded grins behind mirrored faces.
Remorse walks the halls bartering tattle while I fracture.

They crowned me in shame, but 
within a queen still rises.
They buried me in a fire of hell,
But like ash-gray smoke, I rise and swell.

I am the silence of the crown,
gone through ups and downs
stumbled in the dark multiple times
but my spirit still my heart and mind.

I am a teacher, a child, a guardian and a shadow behind my past.
But a strong woman who will still rise from the stillness of darkness.

Inside of me multiply like smoke and breathe:
into silence of forgiveness and hope.
Yes, still I rise, a whisper stitched in storm-
a sovereign spirit-fearless and warm.

The tortured self becomes the flame
not burned but lit beyond their shame
like the shimmering star, shining bright afar!
This is me, a version of being a woman in time and forever be!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 7/31/2025 12:29:00 PM
WOW!!! What a write/story you have here. Love your line, "into silence of forgiveness and hope." I feel we must have forgiveness. Always have hope and let God work it out. "Good Luck" if for a contest. Have a very blessed day writing away...............
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Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 7/31/2025 4:22:00 PM
Thank you so much! I'm really touched by your words. Yes—holding on to forgiveness and hope really makes all the difference. Wishing you blessings and inspiration as well!
Date: 7/29/2025 9:05:00 PM
This poem of yours reminds me of Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise'- This too is a poem about overcoming adversity and negative criticism from people around. But such negative approach can never dampen your spirit. You are determined to rise like a queen. However well meaning we are, our actions can be misunderstood by others. Never go to oppose them or convince them. Gradually they will come to know who you are. Your sense of resilience is much appreciated, dear Rowena.
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Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 7/30/2025 4:01:00 AM
Thank you so much for your kind and insightful words. Maya Angelou has always been an inspiration, and to be reminded of her in any way is truly humbling. You're right—misunderstandings happen, but our strength lies in rising above, with grace and quiet resilience. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
Date: 7/29/2025 8:57:00 PM
Very beautiful- you shout!! May you always have that flame. :)
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Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 7/30/2025 3:58:00 AM
Thank you so much! Your words truly lifted my spirit. May the flame burn bright in both of us always!
Date: 7/28/2025 4:39:00 PM
such words of conviction you write in this story-like form. I especially liked: " Inside of me multiply like smoke and breathe: into silence of forgiveness and hope. Yes, still I rise, a whisper stitched in storm- a sovereign spirit-fearless and warm." I appreciate the confidence your poems bring to Poetry Soup, hugs, Sara
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Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 7/28/2025 4:58:00 PM
Thanks a lot, Sara! Hugs right back!
Date: 7/28/2025 3:52:00 PM
'a sovereign spirit - fearless and warm.' Penetrating portrait, Rowena. Nicely done. ~ Gershon
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Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 7/28/2025 4:08:00 PM
Thanks so much, Gershon! I’m glad that line resonated with you. It means a lot to hear that.
Date: 7/28/2025 5:50:00 AM
I notice many of your writings speak of hurt, scorn, humiliation, pain and the need and desire to survive and rise above it all. I hope your life hasn't been that way but if so, keep rising Rowena. Thrivers are victors!
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 7/28/2025 6:05:00 AM
:)
Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 7/28/2025 6:01:00 AM
Thank you deeply for noticing and for such a kind and compassionate message. Yes, many of my writings do draw from those darker places—pain, betrayal, and resilience—but they're always written with hope at the core. It's not just about surviving, but transforming. I write to heal, and to help others feel less alone in their own journey. Your words uplift me—thank you for seeing both the hurt and the rising.
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