Don’t tell me to stand tall
Be quiet
Show no pain.
Don’t tell me to lift my head
shut my mouth
And control my emotions
In moments of agony and heartache.
Don’t tell me to swallow my hurt
when I am struggling and suffering.
My emotions are me.
They are strong and powerful but
They make me who I am.
My emotions are beautiful and powerful
Reflections of my soul
Whose flames lick through my skin.
So don’t tell me to be a good girl
And stand tall.
Accept treatment
That no one else would.
Don’t tell me to hold my tongue
And silence another voice.
Don’t tell me to embrace
The chains that weigh down
The legs of women who try
To step forward.
Don’t tell me to be silent
Just because you think
Silence is golden.