I AM WOMAN
I am woman.
Once I was gatherer, harvester, carrier, birther.
Once I was producer, property, livestock.
Once I was empty and blank.
Once I was space.
I am woman.
Then I was wife, surname, title, placeholder.
Then I was etiquette, poise, good breeding.
Then I was dull and silly.
Then I was space.
I am woman.
Next I was washer, cleaner, tidier, cook.
Next I was homemaker, housewife, hostess.
Next I was loyal and content.
Next I was space.
I am woman.
Now I am superwoman, mother, role model, executive, sex, promiscuity, competition, target.
Now I am juggler, acrobat, on-going act.
Now I am defiant and selfish.
Now I am space.
I am woman.
I will be fire—burning, scathing, untamed, but pure.
I will be water—cool, refreshing, cleansing, but strong.
I will be earth—peaceful, flowering, growing, but wild.
I will be air—whispering, roaring, soothing, but free.
I will space.
I am woman.
But I am not things
and I am duty
and I am not expectation
and I am not yours
and you are not mine.
And I am not space.
I am woman.
And I am the universe.