In Honor of Women’s History Month

Not Easily Broken, I Bounced Back

By Evelyn Dumas-Chavez –

Listen sisters, I had to learn
to first love myself,
Before I used terms of endearment
to address someone else.
I have crossed many rivers
and I did not drown,
I learned to love myself first…
no greater love can be found.
One day I looked in the mirror
to see my face,
I saw the image of a woman
I had to love and embrace.

It was not my lips, hips, the shape
of my body or the length and
color of my hair,
I had to see the inner beauty,
the goodness and gifts in me
that God gave me to share.
Self-acceptance is a priceless treasure that cannot be bought or sold,
It is the key to divine love
and the healing of the soul.
I am so free that I can fly
without any wings,
I know what love is…
now my soul sings.

No more hiding my head in the sand
during challenging times,
I am stronger than I’ve ever been;
I can turn it all around.
I am not easily broken,
I am created to bounce back,
I came face to face with me,
I can deal with the facts!

Evelyn Dumas Chavez is a native of Waynesboro, Georgia. She grew up in a large family and attended Waynesboro High & Industrial School, Yakima, Valley Community College, and City University. She is an author, poet, and a motivational speaker. Evelyn reaches deep beyond the surface with her poetic expression, sharing messages of hope, comfort, joy, and life’s realness. You can reach Evelyn Dumas-Chavas at [email protected]