Member-only story
My Fire Makes Me Stronger to Face the World
Prose Poetry
“Be careful,” they say in hushed tones. “That kind of girl will watch the world go up in flames.”
Like my father didn’t try to do the same? Yet you worshiped him like he was an avenging angel or a god from another world.
Call me a villain, darling, if that’ll make you feel better. Let’s see how long you can take the heat.
Do you even realize what I could do?
I tried to be the good girl, the one who’d bow to every whim and who’d cringe away from every hint of criticism. I lived for your kind words, your errant praise, your every look of affection — but no more.
“Oh, look how bright she burns.” But when my fire got too close you told me I had to tone it down. Why? What makes you so afraid of a woman who knows she has power to wield? Do you think you’re going to end up in ashes like all the rest? Tell me, if you dare.
Oh, I’m not looking for world domination or even universal acclaim; I just want to live life the way I want. What’s so wrong with that? Your men make no excuses. Why should I?
But they see a girl on fire and they think she’ll torch the place. I didn’t think I’d have to apologize for being what I am. If I’m not hurting anyone, then why are you looking at me like…
