Justice Doesn't Always Reign From Above

To run or to confront?

To turn away or to have courage?

To be silent or to stand?

Athena never hesitates to pick the latter.

The days of the Minotaur and Medusa have long gone

The Titan Wars long fought.

In its place stands a divided nation torn apart at the seams

Like a constant game of tug of war between either side.

Prejudice and Inequality are the newest beasts running rampant

And the Culture War has only just begun

But here stands Athena, her determination unfaltering.

Here stands Athena,

With her tan skin and dark, frizzy hair

Rimmed glasses perched upon the firm set of her nose.

She marches with the crowd, tall and proud

Countless ignited hearts beating as one

Their voices like a rising storm

Like the others, she carries her own protest sign

Emblazoned with big, bold letters that threaten to jump off the paper and cry out

Cry out for Peace, cry out for Justice, cry out for Equality

She’s seen the suffering her brothers and sisters undergo

When the TV displays yet another helpless victim fallen by the hands of Prejudice

She’s heard those new Sirens, whose enchanting songs are now foreboding wails

But who still lure innocent victims to their doom

She knows the danger, feels the fear, understands the pain

Nevertheless, Athena stands

Arm in arm with her fellow minority soldiers

Seeking to make a change in the face of adversity.

Here stands Athena,

Not on a throne but on a podium

Steadfast, resolute, unwavering.

There’s a grit to her voice

A raw note of indignation

As she questions why so many men feel the need to hurt

Why women are the sinners for someone else’s crime

Men are lauded with praise from their friends for their reprehensible behavior

Their compliments modern day laurel wreaths symbolizing their triumph

While women lay bloody and broken, traumatized and torn

Blooming bruises littered across their skin carelessly

She questions why women are being refused choice

Why men feel the need to make decisions for women when they are not the captains of those vessels

Patriarchal laws and regulations that only hinder autonomy

Only prevent the acquisition of life, liberty, and happiness for countless burdened women

A progression towards regression, the antithesis of what they’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Her tongue is sharp yet pragmatic

Cutting through the air with words as hardened and heated as flint and steel

They strike together, setting passion ablaze into the hearts and minds of the souls listening

Reinvigorated and empowered, the crowd roars its approval

And Athena continues to stand,

Unyielding determination in her tempestuous eyes

Knowing that no historical battle is ever easily won

But more than willing to give it her all nonetheless.

Here stands Athena,

Never silent, always fighting.

She stands at rallies and stands against Prejudice and Inequality

Brave and fearless, empathetic and wise beyond her years

A young woman who strives to push forward and make a difference

Because Justice doesn’t always reign from above

Justice reigns from those on Earth who seek to achieve it.

And thus, Athena stands,

Ready to balance the scales and bring Peace and Equality into the lives of her fellow citizens.