This poem is part of Migrant Women Presses’s 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence.
Photo by Jennifer Marquez on @Unsplash
True power isn’t found throwing a fist
a softly spoken threat
or a legal document served by a suit
It’s not the voice you know envokes fear
the place without witnesses
or hurting in ways you know don’t leave a mark
It’s not trust broken in a bid for control
a body betrayed; memories stolen
or a power exchange disguised as sex
They aren’t true power
disguised as abuse, force or coersion
Shame and weakness, acted out in malice
Real power, is raw
Beautiful, resilience
It holds and supports; continually renewing
It’s the waterfall after heavy rainfall
the shocking force
The feel of it overwhelms as you swim against it’s strength
It’s expressing your truth
Vulnerable: I feel. I need. I am.
the knowing in yourself loud enough to be authentic
It’s holding your worth
believing it deep inside
It’s making real change
You are beautiful, relentless;
True power has an ever flowing supply.
Heather Evans is a disabled female poet living in Glasgow with her dog, Archie. Her poetic work uses memoir and emotional imagery to discuss how we process our lived experiences (physical, sexual, emotional and somatic).