I feel sometimes like a pretty ornament - 
I am here when you want to enjoy me, but, otherwise ...
I feel lonely and empty.
 My heart aches, my tears will come no more, I have been hurt too many times, too often and I cannot and will not allow myself to be hurt again ...
If anyone wants to be a part of my life, they will earn their part in my life.
I cannot and will not deal with half-truths, lies, put-downs and hurt.
I will not have my soul and trust stomped upon ...
I need to be loved for the person I am, for the lives I touch - 
not what you want me to be ... 
I have to be accepted 100% with every aspect of me ...
I am not an ornament - I am a person ...
A woman who has been hurt too deep for words -
But a woman who says ... 
Not anymore ...
My Life ... My Rules!

Written By: Mary Bridget O'Toole Donahue ©1997, 1998, 1999
 

Thank you, Dizzy for the use of this poem.