Not defined

Weak.

Afraid.

Lonesome.

Unappealing.

That's how I feel.

Smart.

Strong.

Beautiful.

Courageous.

It's what everyone says I am.

They're not inside my head.

They don't know my struggle.

They don't hear the verbal onslaught.

They don't see the way men undress me with their eyes. 

They don't understand the pain that comes with being nothing more than an object.

A kind word.

A helping hand. 

A friendly smile.

A forgiving nature.

These are who I am.

I don't mean to draw you in.

I don't intend to play mind games.

I was just there; wrong time, wrong place.

My life is set up for misery, but that doesn't mean I have to be miserable. 

So let the world weigh heavy on my shoulders.

I can take it; I will press on with a smile. 

I have escaped abuse.

I have seen the sun rise and fall.

I can overcome another day.

Those who seek to bring me down, won't win.

I may be afraid, but it won't define me.

I have four daughters.

They are my anchor.

They are my life.

I can show them a better future.

They deserve it.

I can look in their eyes when I feel like a failure. 

They will show me that I did something right. 

I will show them their inner strength.

I will learn to find it in myself too. 

Love ALWAYS defeats fear.