Pride — A Poem about Shame

I remain unbowed

Photo by Cecilie Johnsen on Unsplash

Let me tell you about a little word: Pride
Pride is what happens when you decide to stop letting shit slide
When you take the barbs, and you take the slights
When you claw from the depths and scale the heights

Back straight, chest out, I stand proud
Despite the world’s efforts, I remain unbowed
You did your worst, I don’t even frown
Your bullshit can’t tarnish what I now wear
A crown.

You tried to nullify, tried negation
But here I remain, daring to exist
You tried to provoke my ire, vexation
But I blew you a kiss, never raised a fist.

The indignity you tried to heap on me
Didn’t stick. Fools. Now see me
I’ll never quit strutting my stuff
‘Cos fuck you world I’ve had enough

Originally published in Prism & Pen on 27-03-21.