Woman,
take up
s p a c e.
Thunderous, thick, abundant thighs and soft belly.
Buttons that gape, oversized shirts so no one sees
A roll when sitting down, in too-tight jeans.
Furrows between brows, creases and sun-spotted hands.
Silver threads in dark hair.
Woman,
take up
s p a c e.
Loud laughter with snorts sprinkled in.
Desperate, quiet tears at night, alone.
Ecstasy washing over you when dancing, loving, singing, swaying.
Unrepentant joy and slivers of sorrow, mixed together.
Hungry to be seen, heard and valued, just as you are.
Woman,
take up
s p a c e.
'Bossy' becomes you.
'Sassy' transforms into bold.
'Aggressive?' You? No.
You're occupying a world that wants you to play small,
to be visible, young, and beautiful,
yet silent, still, and sad.
Woman,
take up
s p a c e.
For women all over the world
Who cannot speak.
Who cannot love.
Who cannot leave.
Who cannot march.
Woman,
take up
s p a c e.
-Megan Secrest
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