He couldn’t

he couldn’t strip me

of my color,

though he wished

I wasn’t bright

 

he couldn’t keep me

hidden from curious eyes,

though he tried to bury my name

 

he couldn’t keep my spirit soaring

lower than his own,

though he tried to strap his shame

like weight on my wings

 

he couldn’t break me

like a horse

(I broke away)

 

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