(Poem 253 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)

Bandits and warriors,
dukes and commoners,
servants and generals,
guilds and entrepreneurs
all managing to thrive and
survive amidst less than
ideal circumstances.

Little does anyone suspect
that a bodyguard in male
garment could actually be
a woman equipped to
both protect and transport
with confidence and success.

Neither does anyone believe
that a modest, unassuming
girl, who is not the most
beautiful in the land, deserves
to be revered for her patience
and intelligent approach to life.

One is a business woman,
a free thinker, every bit as
capable as any man she
meets, a martial artist, a
wife, a loving granddaughter,
a faithful supporter of those
who care for the needs of
the people—Princess.

The other is an undervalued
girl who is mistreated by
her family, disrespected
by her sisters, seen as a
pawn by her father, but
who loves fiercely, holds
fast to kindness and hope,
and persists by the side of
the emperor with a gentle
unmatched grace that lifts
her to her rightful place
with honor—Empress.

@Home Studio – 253^rd poem of the year (After watching the Chinese Drama Are You the One)

Liu Guo Nan, Cong Xiao, Are You the One. Wang Chu Ran, Zhang Wan Yi, Jaywalk Media, 12 Aug. 2024.