I have to live with myself and so <br /> <br />I want to be fit for myself to know; <br /> <br />I want to be able as days go by <br /> <br />Always to look myself in the eye. <br /> <br />I don't want to stand with the setting sun <br /> <br />And hate myself for the things I've done. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />I don't want to keep on a closet shelf <br /> <br />A lot of secrets about myself, <br /> <br />And fool myself as I come and go <br /> <br />Into thinking that nobody else will know <br /> <br />The kind of woman I really am, <br /> <br />I don't want to dress myself with shame. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />I want to go out with my head erect; <br /> <br />I want to deserve all men's respect, <br /> <br />And here in this struggle for fame and self <br /> <br />I want to be able to like myself. <br /> <br />I don't want to look at myself and know <br /> <br />That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />I never can hide myself from me, <br /> <br />I see what others may never see. <br /> <br />I know what others may never know; <br /> <br />I never can fool myself and so, <br /> <br />Whatever happens I want to be <br /> <br />Self-respecting and conscience free.<br /><br />Jamie Sidwell<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-kind-of-woman-i-am/
