When did we start…

When did it become a paradox to be a tough female who bargains?

and has it stopped?

To be a female in power who wears a bow

who towers over people who may not yet know

she doesn’t put up with shit.

A demander of clear answers

in a world that trains women to fear definition

instead hoping they’ll drown in intimidation tactics, spirals of uncertainty, and an aversion to asserting herself.

Fearing that sticking one’s head above the water to breathe

will make their bow crowned head a target,

a witch

instead waiting for her to drown like all the others, so that we all know the system still works.

The system where strong women are dangerous

and drowning is safe

where deviation singles her out as other—

and when she deviates after dark she becomes a target, a tool for self-serving folk looking to assert dominance in otherwise lack-luster existences

to further reinforce the message that they need a man

even though they can now own their own bank accounts

while still not quite owning their own personhood.

When did we all become so terrified of knives out femininity? Where women breathe fire and can cut down mere mortals with a look, just as fast as fem-folk with painted nails and lilting steps can soothe anyone who needs it; while always at the ready to mount an attack and fight to the death for the ones they love.

The look of her is changing

as she calls to man to be better

to stop blaming her for eating fruit,

to walk with her not above her

because they are both of one another.