Womanhood

by Krystal McRae

Welcome to my womanhood

Where I can be seen as fragile one minute, aggressive the next,

yet never seen as deserving of RESPECT

Welcome to my womanhood

Where I am not allowed to show emotions because If I do, I can

be taken advantage of, and If i don’t I get told “Try Therapy”

Yet therapy isn’t always made for me, unless it’s someone who

looks like me because then they can relate too.

Welcome to my womanhood

I am expected to mother everyone, yet I bear no children, nor do

I want to be in a society that will only murder them physically, and

in other ways.

I will not let my child fall victim to state-sanctioned violence

My son will not be labelled a “Thug” and my daughter will be allowed

to have a childhood, and not adultified, or sexualized.

Welcome to my womanhood, where men want to fuck me, but

NOT FUCK with me, and I am constantly fearing for my safety

Label me with trust issues, but how do I trust a species with

manifestos and mommy issues?

Welcome to my womanhood where I am truly proud of my skin,

And reject the fake beauty standards of oppressors

I am a brown-skinned girl who shines like diamonds and pearls.