Do you wish me to be as miserable as you?
I am told me to be strong, independent,
opinonated and proud
yet you tell me to quiet down…why is that?
Am I too strong for you? When you hunch over
and hide your body to take up less space,
I valiantly step forward, head thrown back
hair reaching the apex of my ass.
I do not use my friends as a clutch, I struggle by myself,
I will conintue to struggle by myself
and pray to God to keep me balanced.
I refuse to quiet my words
in a country that hushes us before our first breathes.
When you quietly smile
and demurely tuck your hands in your lap,
I scream, I yell, I am LOUD!
And when you bow your head down to PATRIARCHY
when you smile and nod
as you accept your pathetic paychecks,
when you accept your CHAINS
I will stride past you, LIKE A MAN,
LIKE A BOSS, like a proud BOADICEA who
refuses to be a DOORMAT!
I will become, EVOLVE
while you remain in your place,
like a slave.
Mecca-Amirah Jackson 