Overcoming the Verdict

XX Chromosome verdict: sentenced to death, Or life in a domestic, white picket prison For purposes of bearing a more fortunate fruit. Speak when spoken to; Hair, clothes, plastic smile all kept in mint condition, With accessories included, too For our owners' satisfaction. Continually struck down, awakened in the process. Up, Up, Up The balloon goes Filled with ambition and self-worth. Yes, I went through Hell Dealing with the unimaginably vile and cruel Just for the right to sit next to you in school. Traded suffering for suffrage. Waged war to keep my wage. Up, Up, Up Further the balloon soars Filled with determination to break down locked doors. You kept me out of the classroom with nowhere to stand Now I write your lesson plan. Withheld the ballot to keep me in the dark. How do you feel now to know My name is on it for all to mark? We have risen from the ashes of our father's fire Graduated from being dolls, biological factories, And objects of sexual desire. We will pound on the ceiling until the glass shatters Once and for all For one and for all. Unplug your ears of "boys will be boys" to hear the rapes of our mothers, daughters, and sisters Once thought to be whispers, the screams are now clear. We stand together now To shout what we know to be true That it does not make you more Red, White, and Blue to hide and excuse the centuries of Black and Blue. Today, my future does not start and end at the chime of the church bell But our work is far from done until the world is safe for BOTH our daughters and sons.