Be a lady they said.
So I grew a spine.
Earned my weight. In gold.
Be a lady they said.
So I ballooned my laughter.
Till it filled the room
And pushed against the glass ceiling.
Sat with my knees apart. Uninviting.
Made loud jokes.
Walked with shoulders squared.
Spine straight.
Be a lady they said.
So I stopped apologizing.
Learned how to raise my voice.
How to make a fist.
How to use my weight.
Lurch forward. Throw a punch.
Be a lady they said.
So I became one.
Happy women’s day.
Let our collective power rise every day.
