She is a
hope-spot,
bright with meaning.
Beyond a tool
to serve others,
beyond a lost child
to be rescued
or a maiden fair
to strive for,
she exists for herself.
She survives
the enclosing
darkness
of a childhood 
in servatude,
unloved,
beaten and ignored.
There is no
weakness
in her joy,
her growth,
her luminescent love.
There is no resignation
or timidness
in her soul.
She is a fighter
whose fight has been
maligned by
centuries of sexism.
She is a pillar
of strength,
a ray of inspiration
working
to pull others
out of the
desolate night
she once escaped.
She is the dream
of a better tomorrow
and the promise
that someday
this will all heal.