I don’t want to be shaped
by the ideas other people hold of me,
to be desired only as a mirror
for their passions,
a reflection of what they wish to see.

I don’t want to be owned,
stamped with their copyright,
claimed as if I were never mine.

I want to be built
from the bricks I lay myself,
every line carved by my own hand,
with knife and chisel,
with sweat and will.

This body
My body
belonging to me,
body and soul,
whole and complete