The battles I have fought are the ones that I have won- and I have every intention of keeping it that way.

My eyes will watch your every move and my feet will match them and take one more ahead. My hands will stop you and push back on the doors of mine you try to bust in. You will fail and when I jerk the handle back to set my eyes on you, you will feel the very fire burning in my eyes as heat settles on your skin. You will step back, retreat, and I will watch, no longer feeling the need to chase after a smart coward that has abandoned a place they didn’t belong.

I will cut my hair in whatever way I please and I will toss my locks in the streets, much to your horror. I will scream when ignored and make sure that my words are making their way into your head for consideration. I will never quiet and I will not apologize when you shrink back from what I have to say. The message will be abundantly clear when all is done and you will try to shrug my words off of your shoulder, but they will remain no matter what.

I will stomp the ground I stand on when I feel threatened and let you know that my safety is not up for debate. My comfort is not negotiable and you should know better than to tell me otherwise. I will not move when you barrel into me. I will stand still as stone and make sure you notice my presence. I will make sure you never forget it.

I will paint my eyes dark, line them with black, and narrow them when you forget to treat me right. I will remind you and it will stick with you. I will wear absolutely nothing on my face and if that does not please you, I can’t say that I care. My face is not for you to enjoy and pick at. My face is not for you to notice. There is not a single part of me here for your “viewing pleasure” and you will know that if you ever find the nerve to actually look.

I will treat you with respect, smile and nod, but I do not owe you anything. Not even the smile and nod. I can pull the rug right out from under you and leave you wondering why I am gone. I am gone because I need to be. My time is not yours to waste and I intend on keeping it safe in my pocket, on my person at all times. You cannot pose me and prod me to your liking. You cannot even try. I will not allow it.

Make no mistake when you see me and think of a meek and mild girl. I am suppressing such an intense desire to be seen as an individual who cannot and will not allow oppression to come my way. I bite my tongue when necessary and speak when it’s not. I am never hiding, but instead waiting. I am watching, just like I said before, and I will know when the time comes to step in and defend myself. I am a woman who is not afraid to show you exactly that. I am full of so much power and love and resistance and care and it is incredible.

Another day, another battle, no matter how small to you or to me. I will step out into this world, ready to prove you wrong and keep you from making the same mistake twice.