Oppressed

Trapped in the cages you built around me
I am a strong woman but you seek to belittle me
And every word I speak is an attack on your character
Do you think me spiteful, hateful?
Or do you fear the truth you might find in my words?
I have tried to speak with a gentle voice—
And you did not hear me.
I have tried to shout with power—
And you shout louder to drown me out.
Now I roar with the breath of a dragon—
And suddenly I am dangerous indeed.
Chipping away at the chinks in your armor—
You are vulnerable now—
But your pride scrambles to shield the flesh exposed.
Witch, you call me.
Ungrateful, because you have given me everything.
I do not deny the things you have given—
Wonderful and bountiful indeed—
And for them, I am eternally grateful.
But respect cannot be bought
Nor can love or submission
Every day I grow stronger and I say:
I dare you to dismiss me again.

What You Give

We are so innocent you and I
Untouched by the worst of the world.
Give it time—
It will swallow us whole.
Give it hate—
It will devour us.
Give it fear—
We are already gone.
But give it love,
And we will live an eternity.

The Fear in Flight

We lived like birds inside cages,
Wondering at the world—
Too afraid to step outside—
We’d sing,
Then cry,
As if something—
Other than ourselves—
Kept us locked away.