My View

When I was a child 

    I was taught I had to pray

To the Mighty God 

    so that he would save the day

I prayed just as hard 

    as my little girl heart could

But the beatings didn't stop 

    like I had hoped that they would.

I grew into a woman, 

    got a better point of view

It was untainted 

    by the words my mom would spew

I was smart enough to see 

    right through the pastor's voice

I finally felt true freedom 

    when I knew I had a choice.

I finally found the answer 

    I was looking for so hard

When I took a look inside 

    I couldn't disregard

My own strength and dignity 

    have never steered me wrong

And they have been right there 

    within me all along.