I am a woman

and the world does not listen

to my whimpers or words.

 

They say they hold us in high esteem;

take Lady Justice and Lady Liberty.

They have allowed these women's hands 

to touch the foundation,

but this benevolent permission to touch

has turned to thankless task;

shaking limbs

and bent backs. 

 

Liberty

says "bring me your tired and poor"

with silent lips.

She herself is tired of holding a flame

that does not warm her.

 

Justice 

grips her sword tighter,

but does not see.

They took her sight

and said it was power. 

She too, is tired

of holding uneven scales. 

 

These women hold the weight

of America in their hands,

on their backs.

They thought it would keep us busy,

this "women's work"

but instead it will make us strong.

 

I am a woman

and the world does not listen

to my whimpers

but they will hear our war cry:

Liberty and Justice

not for some, but

for all.