Sharp-Edged Shadow

Sometimes you must be
belligerent
about your decision
to be
You.

Especially with
that alter ego
you concocted
to mollify the
mavens of
patriarchal
hierarchy,

who prefer your
modest
deference
to your
insistence that
the You
you chose
is a perfect fit
for that
Ancient Soul
who laughs
at the notion
you owe
the rest of us
an apology

for casting a
sharp-edged
shadow
when you stand
under the same
Light
that shines on
All of us who
have every right
to be bold.

And, if I
bow
in your Presence,
please know
that I bow to
honor your
performance,
as well as
my own,

because I
rejoice when
belligerence
becomes
Holiness.

(Photo by Rene Bohmer; UnSplash)