WomanhoodA Poem by ShawnaThe 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 © 2024 Shawna |
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Added on March 21, 2024 Last Updated on March 21, 2024 Tags: womanhood, female empowerment, freedom Author |