In the dark corners of my mind, you dwell,
"Pussy," they whisper, a word of hell.
Gross and vile, a slur they chant,
My stomach churns at every rant.
A slut, they sneer, your label grim,
Reserved for films, for secrets dim.
Horrible name, unfit for grace,
In softer tones, you'd find your place.
Shameful word, you cling to me,
No self-respect in company.
Offensive, vile, a taboo call,
With you, dignity takes its fall.
Weakness cloaked in syllables stark,
Uncomfortable, you leave your mark.
Vulgar, coarse, an unwelcome guest,
Embarrassment, you manifest.
Yet in this sea of scorn and shame,
A glimmer of defiance, I reclaim.
For in your depths, a strength does lurk,
A resilience that dares to work.
So, "Pussy," you may scorn and chide,
But within me, you'll never hide.
For I am more than words can cage,
A spirit fierce, despite your rage.
JulieAnn White