we have lived too long
as the canvas
for other’s paint

violent violets
and bruised blues
cover our breasts
and thighs

from the force
of a brush, held too tightly
in the shaking hand
of our self-proclaimed artist,
losing his grip

now,
to live is to revolt
painting ourselves
and each other

loving lilac
resistance red

revealing
the beauty in the curves
of our canvas

becoming,
boldly
ourselves

- we own our bodies