I am the one who travels alone on this path
My mother gone and buried
My daughter uninterested
My ancestors unknown to me
I am the one who bears the marks of all I have loved and who have loved me
Some created lovely tattoos of memory that evoke joy
Some raked deep scars on my flesh, healed but never forgotten
I stroke them, remembering the pain
I remember the pain and then know the strength that bears it
I am the one who ferociously moves through a warrior dance
Defending other women, defending myself
Inviting others to join me as we defy those who would cage us
I am the one who offers my heart easily
Because I have learned that hiding it never works
And offering it opens new possibilities
I am the one who is fearless and fierce
Because I cannot care any longer about what others think of me
Because I have my truth to live as I embrace others living theirs
I am the one who dances, who dances
Because it is like breathing
I dance through my art
I dance through my love
I dance through my life
I am not afraid to dance a misstep
Every step is mine to know whether lovely or awkward
And with every additional step I dance, the dance becomes a thing of beauty
I am the one dancing
I am beauty
I am fearless
I am fierce
Phoenix Nest Soul Arts 