I get triggered when I hear it...

 
I stopped being a victim  
when I quit begging permission  
to exist  
in a world full of predators  
 
no longer caring how they'd feel
if I fought back
showing my growing strength
because they never gave me the same courtesy
 
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& I hate the phrase
take back your power
---
--
-
 
when it's stolen as children...
we never even knew we'd need it
much less how to keep it
it's importance lost on us
uprooted little seedlings
 
so we heal
one agonizing gash at a time
sinking tender roots
finally learning how it feels
to own a piece of our minds
 
when the beasts came to feed
they were selfish
focused only on themselves  
why shouldn't we  
look to our own needs
 
I'm no longer laying down to take it
tooth & nail...
...do what I gotta do to shake it
this is a battle I will fight
until the moment I die
in millimeter increments...
...if necessary
 
because power is a thing we amass
not something to be taken back
monsters instinctively understand that
flexing their muscles  
at every opportunity  
 
so we cultivate growth
nurturing our souls
as we deserve
& always did
 
I may be a gentle being
but I'm a Survivor  
now watch me...
claim what will forever be
mine