defiance is pure

the mere act of saying “no”
when others put a gun to your head &
want nothing more than your unmitigated
acquiescence,
is a moment that builds up the skeleton inside
it stands up against all odds
it does not waver in the harshest of winds
it does not convert itself to any tame rendition
it is focused & deliberate
it is as steadfast as a tightened fist in the air of
militant, violent, ceaseless
oppression &
like a concrete statue that is still left standing
after the hurricane has torn up all that encircles it
like taking a carrot grater to an unfortunate
carrot,
you stand defiant
you stand beautiful
you stand
honest.