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What It's Like Being A Woman

A different take on Maya Angelou's poem, Phenomenal Woman

Jessica Mizzi
Nov 08, 2016
St. Thomas Aquinas College
15
What It's Like Being A Woman
Flip the Media

I tell lies.


Secrets are

buried in

the way I say

I am fine after

a man grabs me

on the street

and tells me

I’m too pretty

a woman

to cry.

His lips curl to

bare his teeth,

a predatory smirk,

I’m a piece of meat.

His presence

fills the air,

swarms around

me, I hope for

invisibility.

I feel his eyes

span my hips,

it’s a proud passing,

a flick of the wrist,

when he’s in arms

reach, I see

a fire,

a flame,

don’t touch me.

His arm extends,

palms towards me,

he creates a bend in

my

hair,

no way to hide my

inner mystery,


a craving, a need for

my care.


I should shout or jump

but I don't,

I won't.

Heel clicks

take note of each

step away, but today

will stay.


I keep my head bowed,

everyone seems to

be too loud.


I never understand

why society allows

man to stand, and

woman to fall to

her knees,

how invisibility

is selective, it

allows us to be

seen only

when we are

built to suit

his needs,


we will always just

be women.


Now he says

he understands

what men see

when they look

at me,

that no one will

ever love me.


I’m not cute,

I feel I will

never be

a phenomenal

woman,

It’s not me.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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