Strength and Power

Strength and power...
Society has taught us that these are qualities
men possess and women lack.
Women are seen as weak,
we're seen as either beings to be exploited
or beings to be protected,
either way, we're seen as nearly powerless.

Women wouldn't need protection
if men could feel secure in their masculinity
without having to seek our oppression.
Men have always been told in order to be a man,
you can't be like or act like a woman.
Men are told not to cry,
men are told to man up,
men are told they can't be emotional
unless the emotion is rage.

But this isn't the main premise I wish to present.
What I hope to express
is that women also possess
their own power and strength.
You cannot survive society's oppression
and acts of aggression
without inner strength.
You cannot say that one
who goes through hours of labor,
and comes home exhausted,
yet still cares for her child,
(who for sure
won't let them sleep),
one who lacks strength and power.
You cannot say that one who battles daily
through the horrifying consequences of sexual trauma
is one who is lacking in power and strength.

The sad fact is, most women are survivors,
most women have been deeply wounded
by society's oppression,
and we are still here fighting.
Most of us are carrying wounds so deep
that if they could be seen,
we'd be asked "how on Earth are you standing
and not on your knees?"
If society knew how wounded we were
maybe they'd ask for forgiveness
and acknowledge our power.