I Am Called Woman

Sometimes, I find myself on a battleground in the present or in sieges from the distant past It may be a war I've been waging within myself, a thorn that needs plucking so that I might heal I wear no crown, nor do I wish to be gowned in regal robes and sit upon a throne looking down on anyone. For me, those things hold no appeal I am rebellious against the many wrongs I've seen and if you think it's mean of me to feel that way— You don't know me well enough to pass judgement With regret, I've been the cause of an Angel's weeping when down a misguided path I chose to walk Mistakes? I've made my share of them, maybe more but I've always tried to amend my faults in some way Indemnity is not always reimbursed with coin More often than not, my tears the price to pay Sometimes, even I have not found the sentience of it— things I do; emotions I feel. No reason as to why except that I am compelled without restraint or prudence to try I refute the need to live by the creed of the golden rule— for only a fool would claim the world is a righteous place where smug faces play fair in games of love and war If I am defeated, I never hesitate to stand again for I've always despised the thought of white flags and retreating like a coward again and again, in sad refrain I garner resilience and strength from every enemy I meet and in defeat, my stratagem sharpens much keener I am not a warrior; that's not the path I want to take I've been storm tossed in seas of turbulent weather When faced with animosity, I will not shiver and quake Offered silk or suit of armor— I prefer a softer demeanor Self-professed I am supple of breast Heart not crafted from leather From flesh, blood and bone Of the gender called woman I was not chiseled from stone