America’s Sweetheart: A Poem About Identity, Power & Reclaiming the Self

America’s Sweetheart: A Poem will be my last release for a while, and I’ll admit—I was a little nervous to share it. It’s my favorite poem I’ve ever written, because it captures exactly where I am right now. This piece marks a turning point for me: the moment I realized my rose-colored glasses lowered my guard, and getting burned is what gave this poem its voice. More than anything, it’s less about becoming and more about finally allowing myself to be—owning my power, embracing authenticity, and no longer negotiating my identity. This year of creating with y'all has meant everything to me, and in many ways, it’s been a comeback, a vindication, and a rebirth. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who read, reflected, shared their thoughts, and stayed.
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Hope you enjoy — xo

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Amercia's Sweetheart: A Poem

Shattered the illusion -
The ones I trusted split at the seams.
Judgment scatters like glass.

Sit pretty.
Play nice with others - smile wide.

​Their kindness, a mask I learned.
How envy can destroy everything someone could become
if you're not smart enough.

I wanted to cry,
but my face remembered the cue,
knowing their eyes watched.

Their god looks away, mine empowers.
Her fire running through my veins.

Beneath the pink, the blade purrs.
Sharpened with gloss.
And it aches to taste the arrogance you thought I wouldn't notice.

I outran every deadline set for me.
The clock struck midnight and I'm still standing.
Even time couldn't dim me.

Hold the smile.
Fix your hair - they'll make you a problem anyway.

Click, click, flash.

I am the photograph framed as crazy,
their idea of a man too small to confine me.
Watch me ruin the archetype beautifully.

Does my femininity betray your prayers?
Are the poses too provocative for your taste?
Does it burn to see me kiss the power you fear?

I wasn't built to behave.
America's sweetheart
never mine to claim.

Click, click, flash.
Xo
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