I was told to act like a lady.
To sit down and shut up.
To stay silent.
I was told to act like a lady.
To be obedient and subservient.
To be polite.
I was told to act like a lady.
To do what he says and he will be kind.
To do what he wishes.
I was told to act like a lady.
A person who was worth less.
I was told to act like a lady.
It’s what society told me, but not my family.
My mother raised me to be strong and opinionated, to speak my truth unrelenting.
My father raised me to be myself and know self respect, to never compromise on my boundaries.
My sister raised me to be loyal and kind, but to know when that love is not deserved.
My family raised me to know my self worth, to hold my head high and never bow to another.
They did not raise me to act like a lady.
I was raised to stay true to my values.
I was raised to speak up against injustice.
I was raised to know the difference between being someone and being beneath someone.
I am not an object.
I am not a puppet.
I am not complicit.
I am not your pawn.
I am not a lady.
I Am A Woman.
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Written by Catherine Gunther 16th May 2018 3:53pm Sydney.