"Being a Woman is a Funny Thing"

"Being a Woman is a Funny Thing."

Being a woman is a funny thing,

Because as divine as it should be,

Not once in my life 

Have I had not to feel 

Like it was a disadvantage. 

It comes with reluctant understandings:

I knew many would not like me,

Or think me capable.

I knew many would treat me 

Like merely a thing,

Or shut me up and call me entitled,

Dramatic and self righteous 

When I would speak.

I knew I would encounter times 

I was the best one for the job,

And yet be seen as less than

Those who would not 

Leave for nine months,

their children safe at home.

My paychecks would be missing a couple zeros,

Whoever signed them letting it slide. 

I knew I would be judged

By how pretty and put together

Someone thought I was, 

My makeup, or lack thereof

If I did, and if I did not. 

I knew I had to live 

With the burden that is the knowledge 

That many women before me 

Were deprived of their bodies

Their freedom and their dreams,

And still smile, and be grateful 

That things are different now.

Things.

Are.

Different.

Now. 

Right? 

I knew my body could do wonderful things.

I also knew not to bask and revel in its pleasure

Its glory,

Its blessings. 

And to always think of it less. 

And to cover it up, and judge it,

And let others do the same. 

I also knew there were those who thought it theirs. 

But I would laugh,

Thinking it ignorant talk. 

Because it’s my body,

My thoughts a bell toll saying

“Things are different now.”

Being a woman is a funny thing

Because these days

We grow up up with “Girl Power”

Etched on our shirts, 

And yet, the only power I can see

Is the one they take away from me.