I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know;
I want to be able as days go by
Always to look myself in the eye.
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of woman I really am,
I don't want to dress myself with shame.
I want to go out with my head erect;
I want to deserve all men's respect,
And here in this struggle for fame and self
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.
I never can hide myself from me,
I see what others may never see.
I know what others may never know;
I never can fool myself and so,
Whatever happens I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience free.
Jamie Sidwell
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-kind-of-woman-i-am/
