Fire Breathing

Did you think they’d go down easy? 

Men threatened by a woman’s autonomy? 

I don’t ask or beg for acceptance or validation

I’m not here to keep the peace, to be anyone’s doormat

To smile kindly and politely while society fucks me

Do I sound angry? 

Fucking right I’m angry

But not because of one abortion law

Because of lifetimes of destruction and hurt and pain

Have we heard any apologies? Any take backs? 

This law is just another drop in the bucket

Did we expect anything different? 

You’re right, it’s not about life at all

It’s about manipulation and control under the guise of nothing

It’s called gaslighting

Do they know exactly what they’re doing? 

Are they trying to make us angry? 

Are we still out here thinking things are changing? 

I take what’s mine, because I’m human

I deserve to be here along with all the privileges men enjoy

But I ask you, do you think they’re happy? 

I don’t strive to win in a man’s world

It’s toxic and fucked and backwards

Excuse me while I fuck off and do it myself

A woman’s famous words

The fire I breathe is my protection

I didn’t come here to feed the patriarchy, I came here to burn it

And rise from the embers

I hope you are afraid of me

Afraid of my spirit

Afraid of my joy

Afraid of my voice when it speaks, even if it shakes

What is more powerful than control? 

A woman when she’s no longer afraid