I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have walked in shoes that were not mine, no matter the color or the size, I have had to climb hills and mountains, swim rivers and drink water from other people’s fountains.
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

My tears have mingled with yours, hers, and theirs, I have had to fight battles that were not always mine, and I have been on bended knees and lain supine. I have made journeys that I did not pack for, beaten bruised and sore,
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have hidden my face behind hands that have worked and toiled, planted seeds in unfertile soil. I have screamed and yelled, went through storms and UN-necessary hell.
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have given my life’s blood, the skin of my back, but I have never given up and never looked back, I have not forgotten where I have been, and some of the predicaments that I have been in, I have lain in some dark places and encountered UN-familiar faces.
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have faced my enemies without weapons; I have gone into battles UN-prepared, frightened alone and scared. I have faced ghosts from my past, been wounded and thought I would not last.
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have given up apart of myself, struggled, dragged and had no help. I have looked in the mirror and saw images that I did not like, had to run and even fight, I have cried come dusk, and dawn, been ridiculed and scorned.
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have carried burdens that were heavy on my back, faced the music, and told that I was not 100% black. I have been laughed at, and slapped in the face, encountered bigotry and hate. I have given my heart UN-selfishly only to have it thrown back at me, you know what though?
I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT I AM BEAUTIFUL

I have seen a glimpse of beauty that’s me, have been empowered and I am free.
I have looked inside and discovered a woman you knew nothing about, one that was always there, soul emancipated and laid bare. I see a woman that is smiling back at me, she has always been there, just in the background, but myself I have found. I HAVE BEEN BROKEN BUT BY GOD I AM BEAUTIFUL.
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