They were such small 
words you spoke to me,
just a mild rebuke.
But when they crossed the
room to where I stood
they hit so hard
they stunned me,
taking my breath away.

It’s hard to fight small words.
I want to rise, to shout,
to defend myself.
But that will only give them
power, inflating them
into a worthy foe.
I feel foolish taking aim
at such small words.

I will not let you
belittle and define me
by such small words.
You may not see that I am
full of life and strength,
filled with talent and love.
You think I am worthy
of your small words.

You cannot confine
me within that image
dangling from a string.
I break free, redefine myself,
discarding the old skin
that could be wounded
by such small words,
grateful to be free.