She

I am a woman.

Was I created to be 

beaten and cheated on by a he?

I am a woman.

Why should I be found

underneath rather than beside,

Why am I thus bound?

I am a woman.

Why must I embrace

Mediocrity and false humility 

So he may save face?

I am a woman.

must I spend endless nights on my own?

Yet still bend,

Into all shapes and sizes when he returns,

To avoid the wrath of his anger

and not get badly burned.

Why should I be taunted when he does me wrong,

by the throng that should make me strong?

Why should I be blamed when he steals from me,

the very essence of my femininity?

What should I do when I am terrified at my job,

because my boss says the sight of me makes him throb?

Who will speak for me when I am murdered,

by my brothers because 'I was out of order'?

Is it right that I should be so abused, 

just because I've been accused

of being the Genesis of the downfall of man?

Oh my goodness, I am just one woman!!

You tell me, 'it's tradition' and I ask 'So'?

You say, 'it's the way it's always been' and I say, 'No'!

I only want to live my life like you,

I want access to freedoms and opportunities too!

I am sick and tired of playing second fiddle.

The answer isn't difficult, it's not a riddle.

So hear me now, give me a break.

The time has come, make no mistake.

Listen friend, do as you should.

Don't remain silent, help me lift this shroud.

Stand beside me, hold my hand,

and walk with me into the promised land.

The promised land of equality,

Where I'll become the She I was truly made to be.

Anuli Marshall

6th January 2016