Self portrait by suzn morgan

​My eyes, a set of blinds
Shielding ancient wounds
My mouth
Sharp and tight, deep lines
Years of holding back
Of gritted teeth
 
Old, yes I’m old now
Not stylish
Black stretch pants
Old comfy shoes
shapeless t-shirt
No jewellery for me
No makeup
 
Off putting, social skills
Lacking finesse
afraid of children
They tend not to like me
 
Distress at being seen
Overweight again and still
noticing dismissive eye slips
from strangers
reflecting distasteful visage
 
And yet, I am
inquisitive, tenacious,
resourceful, kind, tolerant
while holding a smoldering rage
at injustice
 
yes, Here ...I am
wholly filled with strength
with compassion
with creativity
with courage
 
I am an artist
being seen in the world
I am an author,
a creator of
 meaning
I have a voice
Yes, I have a voice
I have a STRONG voice!