Fighting Words

I did not fight in a military war
I have not held a weapon
or trained to kill
Each time I was treated as just a woman
I fought for my independence
Each time I was asked to clean up
after others, expected
to be willing to put my needs aside for others
I fought for my independence
When I am subjected to the blame, handed down from
the story of Eve
The story that provides a blanket excuse to blame all women
I fight for my independence

When I am complimented for my looks and not my abilities

I consider the compliments fighting words
When I am looked at, not for my abilities
but as an object of pleasure
as a sexual possession
I fight for my independence
When I hear about a teen mother
without a question about the body
attached to the penis violating a young female
I fight for independence
When a women is not permitted to be a religious leader
I fight for independence
When women’s rights are restricted
by the court of the land
I fight for independence
When all women are honored and respected
I will celebrate Sovereignty.