Rumble, young lady, rumble!
I, with full admission of guilt, went through a “bitter phase” when I hated my parents for what they did, for what they failed to do, who they were, what they made me and my siblings endure, what I missed, what I lost, what they took from me, from us. I was filled with rage. I can call it a phase because it came to an end, I made it through. But don’t be deceived by my sweet exterior, I have ice in my veins when I need to.
I listened to Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time at a 1964 press conference, delivering his iconic speech. An interesting idea stirred within me. At first, I thought: Oh, that would be rich. A speech of my own. But, no, don’t do that, that’s downright vindictive. Shame on you, Eleanor Lorene Lowe!
***
Here’s the thing, there is a distinction between justice and vengeance. Writing my book, speaking my truth, telling my story. For me, that is my own personal brand of justice. Vengeance is an enticing notion, however, it only causes more pain, the result is fleeting. Justice provides an enduring sense of satisfaction, accompanied by a comforting validity that promotes healing.
***
I’m a bee 🐝 that will no longer flee! I speak up now. And, why not? What’s wrong with that, after all the stings they gave me?
I never got my trial, my verdict is in: GUILTY.
Their sentence — Writing my book, exposing the truth, publish it, and sending them a signed copy.
***
Inside it’ll say…
Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like Me
You can’t hit what your hands can’t see
No more excuses!
Look — the stage is set
My words are my weapon
So, when you read
Consider this me throwing a literary right hook
Then, fast as lightning, change it up
Here we go now, watch me dance —
Bob and weave
Gonna do what I do best
Write what I write
My words are gold!
This woman is strong!
You think you’re gonna beat me?! You’re dead wrong!
When I whoop this memory
Poetic Justice will be served!
Despite what you’ve thrown at me
I dominated, I conquered —
I still became The G.O.A.T.
I no longer crave your “I’m proud of you’s.” I learned on my own that being proud does not have to come from a selfish place. Done right, it’s called confidence, that thing you tried to beat out of me.
There’s nothing sweeter than clarity —
You said you didn’t want my love, you wanted my respect. Well, now you have neither and you need to be checked. I know full well, I deserve both!
Without the pain y’all inflicted, I’d never have become the woman I am today: independent, kind, opinionated, resilient, and able to say — vulnerability is a strength! My achievements are my own, you lost the right to take credit.
Because NOW —
I am FINALLY FREE!!!
Float like butterfly 🦋
Sting like ME!!!
Good God, Almighty!
You will never touch me!
You Lil Dickens 
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