I am done being weak, I'll speak up now when I am hurt,

When I don't like something, even if it seems absurd.

They braid my hair, but I don't want to complain,

For fear of causing pain, it's me she wants to sustain.

The girl in me always says yes, to avoid hurting hearts,

But I'm done with that charade, for it's tearing me apart.

Being nice doesn't always pay, that's the truth I've found,

Pretending to be okay, when I'm hurting all around.

I've waited for manna from above, for far too many years,

Now, I'm picking up the pieces, conquering my fears.

I want to be self-centered, self-conscious, self-aware,

Self-dependent, self-righteous, with self-love to spare.

The girl I was, lost herself in pleasing others' dreams,

Depended on her past pains, or so it seemed.

She clung to her hurt, made a fool of herself, it's true,

But never again will she let that darkness imbue.

Her pain, now just a doormat, for her to walk on by,

I am stepping into a fresh start, aiming for the sky.

The girl in me can go to hell, her chains are finally gone,

Welcome to adulthood, where the real journey's drawn.

I've found my voice, my strength, my truth, and my might,

No longer held back by the shadows of the night.

I am the woman I was meant to be, embracing my own grace,

In the mirror's reflection, I finally see my true face;

The Woman in me.