Keep your voice down,
Never go out late,
That’s indecent,
Cover yourself.
Wax and shave.
Put on make-up,
But not too much.
Give us a smile,
Give us a twirl.
Lose some weight,
But only in certain places.
Be the good girl,
Don’t ask questions,
It’s always been this way.
Are you in pain?
That’s normal,
It’s always been this way.
Are you angry?
Or is it hormones?
Don’t be a cry-baby,
You’re too sensitive,
You’re too weak,
You only beat me ‘cause I was sick.
No one wants daughters,
You’re a burden.
Will you work after marriage?
You won’t work after marriage?
You should be in the kitchen.
Who’ll marry you?
You don’t want kids?
But it’s always been this way.
You don’t smile,
“I don’t smile for you.”
You don’t dress decent,
“I don’t dress for you.”
You’ll die lonely,
“I don’t live for you.”
You’re too loud,
“Have you heard yourself?”
Physics must be hard for a girl!
“I don’t know how the boys do it then”
What a sharp tongue,
“Thanks, I try my best.”
No manners, so impolite,
“Your comfort is not above mine.”
Such rage, such anger!
“It’s the poison you fed me,
Every single day of my life.”
But it’s always been this way.
“And I’ll make sure it never will be again.”
-
Author:
Ladywithaquill (
Offline) - Published: July 19th, 2025 01:25
- Comment from author about the poem: To be a woman.
- Category: Sociopolitical
- Views: 10
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy
Offline)
Comments3
I hear the resentment, the anger, the resolve at feelings of inequity in societal expectations. Rebellion is an answer but for rebellion there is a consequence that must be paid. One looking for justice will never find it. Good poem with a good deal of power the repeated examples give it that. Nicely done
Thank you! At some point the injustice is enough that the costs of rebellion become small in comparison to the freedom you get after.
You are most welcome and each person has to make that judgement for themselves.
Excellent write
Thank you!
You're welcome
Many examples given of the inequality of some woman today and the battles they are still having to fight to be allowed to be themselves, nicely expressed and written
Thank you! A long battle but progress is being made.
You are very welcome
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