The language lies
and the words shift shapes
crippled feet
become dainty
and the virgin
becomes a challenge
like a world cup
of conquest;
we see it
in the math class:
ignoring upraised hands;
in the workforce:
where apples to apples
do not receive the same pay
becoming mother
makes us the lesser
and having a voice
makes us bitches and whores
the world is owned
by perception
and denial
and invalidation:
we overreact
we wear the wrong clothes
we do not weigh the right amount
we are too sensitive;
and to be female
is to be natural prey
a victimhood
waiting
until we rise
until we unite
until we put a stop
to buying in
and write our own true
stories…