I was once spoken to without respect,

as if love were something to be humiliated out of me.

But degradation only works on those who accept it.

I didn’t.

I learned this:

Anyone who needs to belittle a woman

was never capable of standing beside her.

I am not diminished by another woman’s happiness,

nor defined by a man’s cruelty.

I left with my dignity.

That is my victory.