I am a woman
A gorgeous creation
Designed with a golden zygote to multiply clans
But those who were to honour me, and protect me, ignored me for time untold
They bruised me, burned me and left my soul tainted
Those who were to appreciate me criticized my figure and publicly degraded me

I became a lesser being to them, an invisible
Dredged out only for an exhibition-for their humour
Because my wisdom was overwhelming to them, they tamed me for their control
In their eyes I became a threat because of my brilliance, so they silenced me
They designed shackles perfect for my size, to imprison and forgot me

By my benevolence I empathised for them, and their ignorance played in my
favour
Just when they were rejoicing in crippling my existence
My many souls ascended, multiplied and became stronger
Fearlessly I broke free from their shackles
And out of their shadows I forged and rooted my legacy within the fires they had staged to abolish me
For my strength sanctified, my soul can never be depleted
I stand tall
I am rooted
I am grounded
A force to be reckoned with
I command the hour glass to pause-and then my voice strikes with such impact
when they least expected
With every
emerge only stronger
My patience multiplied, skilful and conversant to change the world for the better-
for all of us-for generations to come
For I am every woman
A woman who challenged the norm
A woman in the past
This woman present
A woman of the future!