Today

I possess the power

to return your judgemental gaze

with full ownership of who I am.

“Yes, this is me.”

A me of mistakes,

fearless learning,

repeated crashing and rising,

heart wide open

scars and wounds visible

capable of the unimaginable

love of Herculean strength.

I won’t ever fit in your box.

I am my own coloring book.

© Ali Grimshaw