I’ve heard it said
No man is an island
But maybe, a woman
Can be a fortress.

She likes to keep her distance.
Puts up these walls between
Herself and everyone else.

She likes her perfect composure.
Tranquil as deep water
Nothing revealed to others.

And she likes to be stronger, smarter, better –
Make it impossible to forget her,
Even if you never really see her.
Up so high on her pedestal of steel.

But I don’t think she knows
That if you harden your heart
All you’re left with is stone.
The stone she’s used to build her fortress.
For her, I hope for more than this.

Jessie Gutierrez