Back Brace

I do not need anything from a man
But I remember so deeply when I did
Because the world told me that his words
Would be stepping stones to my dreams
That his kisses and touches would pave
An understanding of myself and my future
I thought I needed a man like a back brace
Hold me up, support me, keep me in line

It took me so long to realize that back brace
The one that they promised would build me up
Was made of iron that weighed me down
It bent my spine down until I could not stand
It was laced with the poison of his stone words
The ones that said my opinions were cute
The ones that said I was small and fragile
Because I needed a brace to stand

I don't need anything from a man
But I remember when I found my own way
Because my sisters told me how and said
That I can build a spine from their love
That I all I need is my mother's iron will
To know that I am strong enough on my own
I know that I need myself like a back brace
Hold me up, support me, keep me strong