The Bravest of Things
written by: Elizabeth Bonsera
Bruised and battered,
beaten and torn,
covered in scars
meant to be worn.
Took the wrong turn
and still found my way—
it’s what makes me special,
what else can I say?
Oh, you know I’ll find something,
’cause words make me smile.
So listen,
and ponder,
and sit for a while.
A beautiful mess—
too loud and too tough,
too tender, too small,
and (never) enough.
Sassy and fierce,
a warrior’s heart,
scared and alone,
and not very smart—
well… actually, pretty smart.
Sometimes I’m anxious,
don’t feel understood …
maybe it’s easier
just to be “good.”
Show up, glow up,
be who I am—
it’s easy to say,
but doing it?
Damn.
The battles that scarred me
left something behind:
a soft, gentle heart
and a wide-open mind.
So this is the package,
this is the deal:
a woman of kindness,
and love that is real.
And now—
my heart rises,
so stubborn,
so fierce.
Knowing—just knowing—
those eyes, how they pierce
through my skin
to my soul.
They see far too deep,
wanting to hold me
and rock me to sleep.
Ain’t got no game,
that’s for damn sure.
You see what you get—
I’m all that
and more…
nowhere near perfect—
I tried and I failed.
And thank god for that,
’cause that shit’s not real.
But I do have a power—
a super one too.
It’s not for the meek
or the weak,
that is true.
Always, in all ways,
the joy and the pain,
I know that to love
is my truth—
in my veins.
’Cause loving so deeply
is not a bad thing.
It’s really the magic
that gives me my wings.
Strong hands to hold,
mirror—behold!
I’m shiny and cracked
(ain’t it fun to get old?)
yeah —
I’m just human,
doing the things—
with feeling
and fire—
And I don’t come
with strings.
Still nothing can break me —
of that I am sure.
So I’ll stay for a while—
there is so much more
to love,
to live,
to wonder,
to give.
I think it’s the bravest—
the bravest of things.
- The Bravest of Things - June 6, 2026
- Interview Q&A With Elizabeth Bonsera - April 16, 2026
- The Star I Ride - March 5, 2026
