The Simplicity of Me [Poetry]

Don't paint me
as a hero or a damsel;
don't make me out helpless
or something special
in your mind.
Don't pretend I'm my scars
make me a warrior
or see them as picture
me weak.
Don't conjure up a story
based on my skin or personality.
Just don't pretend you know me.
See me as a woman,
a man,
a person,
fighting for something.
Fighting for happiness,
a chance beyond loneliness,
or the simplicity of a smile,
but don't look at me and see
any more or less than I could possibly be.

© 2014 | Jazelle Handoush