"Deconstruction of a Woman"

I love this poem written by one of my friends here at college, Ms. Kate Simmons. Had to share it.

"Deconstruction of a Woman"

I gave my heart, and someone broke it.

I picked up the shards.
Glued it back together, scarred but stronger,
and gave it away again—
this time to starving children.

I gave my feet to the hard earth
no one else was willing to tread
to reach the people on the other side.

I gave my back to hard work and blows
because someone had to.

I gave my eyes to war, rape and ravage
so someone could witness
to the atrocities that make people blind.

I gave my tongue and teeth
to the words others were afraid to speak.

I gave my spine to the ones
who couldn't afford their own.

I gave my hands to the fire
others wouldn't quench
for fear of being burned.

—K.S.