I am not fragile.

I've spent a lifetime feeling

As breakable as a light bulb

With no insides

As if it were the essence

Of femininity. For me.

But I look now

And see more than fragility

A heart that is broken

And still open

A spirit indomitable

A ferocious will

Able to find hope amid hopelessness

And meaning in absurdity

Produce beauty from tragedy

And light from darkness.