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It's March, women's month! Ended up writing a poem (?) as I was trying to answer the statement, "I am a woman, of course _____" posted by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) as an infographic.
Here's the poem:
I am a woman, of course
by Ivee Bongosia
I am a woman, of course
They tell me to speak my mind
But not too much
Or I’ll be labeled difficult.
I am a woman, of course
I must express how I feel
But not too much
Or they’ll think I’m unhinged
I am a woman, of course
I lead with confidence
But not too much
Or they’ll hate me for being bossy
I am a woman, of course
I maintain an OK body
Just make it OK, not too skinny, muscular, curvy, plump
Because anything too much is not OK
I am a woman, of course
I must balance home, work, hobbies, socials
And settle for the residuals of my time
To finally let it all loose and just be
I am a woman, of course
I should tell my story
But don’t make it too too long,
Or they'll interrupt mid-way with “Well, actually…”
I am a woman, of course
They tell me to smile more
But not too much
Or I’ll be seen as over-eager, insincere, weak.
I am a woman, of course
I wear what I want
But they say that too demure won’t get me dates
And too sexy might get me raped
I am a woman, of course
I am strong
But not too strong, OK
Don’t be too proud, too self-reliant, it’s not feminine they say
I am a woman, of course
I follow my heart
But don’t be too out there they say,
And don’t be too perfect, too flawed
Too settled, too unfettered
As if being too raw, too real
Might take away their ripeness
Their aliveness
But I am as alive too.
I am a woman, of course
I care, I give, I make
I've carved out my space.
And I exist as me.
Just like you.
And I will always hold and harness
What is true, good, beautiful, strong, and real
Because I am a woman, of course.
Written: March 2, 2024
(stock photo from Canva)
