I Said

By L.V. Senuta

It is good to be alive they said

But not if there is none to dread

A life worth living is one with flaws

They said it would be more than cause

Don’t be bossy they said to me

Nice girls are those who listen freely

Don’t fight for worthless battles

A small complaint is all that tattles

You have to know what makes you pretty

Or else you’ll finish gray and knitting

Without a husband and a fine son

You’ll die a widow, looked down on and done

How dare you speak up about what you think

Your voice is not at all worth the ink

Listen to the officials first

Then maybe you’ll be excused from your worst

Where is your makeup, you forgot to smile

That tank top is too short, but show what is while

You have good looks so show them off

Why are you difficult, just take it off!

You’re pretty smart for a girl, they say

Even for the monthly you’re acting okay

Am I supposed to be a weak little thing

Born and raised by nature’s own thing?

I am a woman, strong and brave

I have feelings I’m not afraid to save

Yes I’m a woman, with multiple thoughts

I’m not here to waddle with two coffee pots

Since when will they get that I am better

Born and raised on the same earth for one letter

“I” is my way, and I will make change

Some that those who “once said” can’t trade

With three hearts to love I present them all

One to love myself, for I always stand tall

The rest for others and the world I’ve lead

And I am more than a woman, I said

L.V. Senuta has been writing fiction and poetry since the age of twelve. She says “I am constantly working on new projects. I write short stories, long stories, numerous verses strung up into fabulous poetry, and my favorite genres of writing include sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and realistic fiction. I hope that my creations can be an escape, a sanctuary, and an adventure all through my own words. I’m excited to bring my works into this magazine, and I hope you find it all as mellifluous as I do.”