Petals

I was soft spoken, kind, obliging
blessed be the peacemakers
and cursed be the used and abused
looking at myself I wonder
where I would be without you
I was a sleeping giant, tethered
by the needs and desires of others
a shadow woman behind my petal walls

afraid to grasp any small pleasure
not daring to wake to the sound
of my different drum, unselfish
unhappy, unfulfilled.... undone
it was you with your determination
your testosterone aggressiveness
that shook me out of a stupor
I am strong because you were strong

and though I do not use the weapon
of my sharp intellect and barbed tongue
until I am provoked to defend my rights
I do know now that I have rights
It was you who poured your steel
into my soul and wakened my power
it is you I walk the path of love with
two extremes becoming balanced equals