–

Like bamboo
I only look fragile
bend,
but do not break
sway dangerously close to
the ground in painful angles
do not break
stand straight
stretch high
face close to the sun
this time
do not break
do not merely bounce back
bend
low
and not always graceful
but taller
always taller
when I choose to stand again.

— Height, Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie