Lower lip trembles,
It threatens to flood,
Awash in the devastation,
The foundation has been ravaged.
No longer I yearn for shelter,
God has me accustomed to the climes.
I built a new home.
Red bricks and grim mortar,
Awash in the light of hope.
A better tomorrow,
No longer I cringe at smiles.
You have me wanting for more.
My palace towers above me.
Why do I still feel so small?
I am a queen.
Yet a slave to my doubts.
Life gave me no quarter.
I ask for too much.
Sunset after sunset.
A hard look in the mirror.
I am my plinth and my roof.
No earthquake shall uproot.
Disaster builds character.
And now my fortress stands strong.