Surely this isn’t me
the girl who owned
the night before her
and stood alone
triumphantly
completely unrestrained
by insecurity.

Surely this isn’t me
the girl who laughed
in delight
knowing only
the smallest fear
of the empty air
in between.

Surely this isn’t me
the girl-like warrior
with feet bare
and a loose brick
hurtling through the air
at tail and teeth.

Surely this isn’t me
the girl inprisoned
by barrier
unseen
a vice-grip
choker-hold
of social normality.