Hope Screams Amongst the Silenced

Expressing anger

is something

the millions of women before me

have been forced to

suppress

When you know this

why does it surprise you

that the women of today

scream their loudest?

Does it surprise you

that any of us would

thunderously roar

into megaphones

for the same rights you’ve always had

Does it surprise you

when we

march the streets we want

love who we want

wear what we want and

demand for what we want

Does it surprise you

that we will run for the same positions as you

(and eventually get them)

even though the world

refuses to throw their rocks

at the glass ceiling we’re under

Does it surprise you

that we no longer can be silenced

with a simple “Behave!”

or “Act like a lady”

because ladylike means

something else now

Does it surprise you

that we do not hesitate

to raise a fist

if you dare to

put a palm over our mouths

Our bodies

bore the weight

of unnecessary shame

Our hands

were tied behind us

to stop us

Our minds

were brainwashed

to control us

So why does all this uproar surprise you?

We carry

the anger

of centuries in us

and one spark

is enough

to light the fire

of justice

of freedom

of hope.

So, don’t be surprised.