Sonnet 10: Self Worth

If I proclaim my visage fair and true, Who dares to counter what my lips declare? If I resist the thoughts that evil brew, Whose aim it is to strip my pride laid bare? Who shall oppose the judgment I bestow, When in my heart such certainty is found? For I am shaped by hands that grace doth know, By Heaven’s will, in beauty I am crowned. No fool shall judge the worth that I possess, For in my gaze, pure confidence resides; In God’s own image, I am formed, no less, And in His love, no flaw in me abides. But lo, the world doth cast its scornful eye, And whispers doubt in tones of dark disdain; Yet I stand firm, beneath the open sky, For truth and virtue shall my soul sustain. With courage bold, I rise against the tide, And break the chains of every mocking voice; In strength of spirit, I shall e’er abide, For in my worth, I make a steadfast choice. Who dares defy the truth I here proclaim? For in His sight, I stand without a shame. Let all who question know, I am but steel, And none shall shake the faith that I reveal.