"I Am Not the Shame You Name"

They said, "Cover up, be small, be kind, Be the girl who stays in line." But I was born with thunder in my chest, And no—I won’t let silence do the rest. They stare when I wear a skirt, they talk, As if my legs caused their twisted walk. But I’ve got arms too, like every man, So why am I the only one told to "understand"? They blamed me when I was ten and scared, My voice unheard, my soul unprepared. The ones who should’ve held me tight Chose to turn away from what wasn't right. I tried to be sweet, polite, and small, But kindness became my hardest fall. They took my silence as defeat— But now, my rage is far from discreet. I’m done with whispers behind closed doors, I’m not your daughter made for chores. I won’t be your maid in disguise, Or your quiet girl with lowered eyes. I’ll wear what I want, I’ll walk where I please, Even if your stares burn like disease. I won’t shrink for your twisted pride— I’ve got battles to fight, and I won’t hide. So if I must be the storm you fear, Let me be loud, let me be clear: I’m not your shame. I’m not your blame. I'm fire, I'm strength and I've no name.