the quickening tide

I swim, I swim against the quickening tide
Of insults, of jibes you keep throwing my way
But the current’s too strong. It casts me aside

I try, I try, in face of mind games you play
To recall a time I possessed some self-worth
It’s deep in the past, long-distant yesterday

I long, I long for an instant to unearth
A nugget, a diamond, a sparking of light
That shows I’m not useless, I merited birth

I rise, I rise up on brave wings, taking flight
Escaping your cruelty and steel-fisted glove
Within me I now know you never were right

I fly, I fly — transfigured phoenix above
Accepting at last that I’m worthy of love