Text by Artemis Steakley-Freeman

Hair is my sign and my name.

The drive of my skin and my strength entangles itself into the Amazon Woman I have become.

My hair twists itself into my words spoken from the depths of my voice and will not allow any weakness through its barrier.

I am more than this body shows.

I am Frieda Khalo, painting this earth with my song.

I am Amanda Palmer, shaking the ground with each resounding step.

I cling to this body like ice on water never slipping into the skin so well fitted to the shaven women.

I will not rest.

I will hold to my hair like an infant to his mother's finger.

This is no mistake.

My only mistake was once attempting to shape myself and smooth this hair into clothes fitted for insecurity.

But this hair is my cloak.

The cloth that keeps my spine from shattering

I will not fall to the bare of outside voices telling me to yeild.

This is my body.

I will not choose the parts I want.

I accept this body for the miracle that it is.

I will hold this body through thickened hair and brazen teeth and let this world know

That I will not be shaken.

This Amazon will stand stronger and taller through the simple knowledge that hair makes this body beautiful.

This hair brought this voice from silence, this body from shame and this connection from solitude.

I will keep this body like a brush from teenage years and my hair will remain my sanctuary.

Hair is my sign and my name.

Hair is my Grace.

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