Womanhood

The dying flames of the patriarchy dimmed

Yet still, they burned against her skin

Dreams of independence strained

Pulling at the chains that wrapped around them

Assigned roles and silent expectations

Glances of disdain or pity

The invisible burdens piled on

Cracking both her back and will

Suffocating, breaking down

Each slap across the face

A violent storm that screamed the tale

That she will never be enough

Nevertheless, she persisted

Because there burned in her a spark so bright

That none could douse the flame

Spurring on the belief that there existed another way 

She did not need to be enough for any but herself

Confident and free, she soared

Above their grasping claws that sought to pull her down

Her place on high allowed her respite

Clear of the voices of the past

Allowing her to see herself 

A self she’d never contemplated

This self untouched by the burn of expectation

Unfettered by the chains that sought to keep her small

The burdens fell off, one by one

Falling to land upon their dying embers

She found herself and knew her worth

With that knowledge dove back down

Intent to lead the others

Freedom a hard-won prize to claim

Because she had persisted