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

Poem

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Goldsmith Avatar
July 31, 2025 at 12:29 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...............
Velasco Avatar
July 31, 2025 at 4:22 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!
George Avatar
July 29, 2025 at 9:05 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.
Velasco Avatar
July 30, 2025 at 4:01 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.
Hind Avatar
July 29, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Very beautiful- you shout!! May you always have that flame. :)
Velasco Avatar
July 30, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Thank you so much! Your words truly lifted my spirit. May the flame burn bright in both of us always!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
July 28, 2025 at 4:39 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
Velasco Avatar
July 28, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Thanks a lot, Sara! Hugs right back!
Wolf Avatar
July 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
'a sovereign spirit - fearless and warm.' Penetrating portrait, Rowena. Nicely done. ~ Gershon
Velasco Avatar
July 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Thanks so much, Gershon! I’m glad that line resonated with you. It means a lot to hear that.
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