To continue celebrating Women’s History Month, I am sharing a poem I wrote in 2000 that honors the strength, integrity and humanity women bring to the world.  I believe that acknowledging and understanding our self-worth allows us to successfully face life’s challenges and achieve the goals we set.

As I Rise

I am the first breeze passing through the aroma of a Spring after-rain

no longer encumbered by your misconception of my self-worth.

 

I am a blazed trail sprouting new growth fertilized

by the wisdom of experience no longer needing

your approval to make my place in history.

 

I am withering stereotypes and blossoming choices

no longer hindered by your inability to accept

that equality is not necessarily equal.

 

I am the weaker sex only in your mind,

my survival is no longer dependent on yours,

don’t you understand; I am your complement

not your competition, your confidante not your chattel.

 

Although I bear the pain for your existence,

you will no longer use me as the outlet for your rage.

I am a gift to be cherished not chastised, praised not hazed.

 

My presence in the universe is no longer defined

by the limits of your vocabulary,

I am too dynamic to contain and too prolific to explain.

If you cannot stand by my side, do not stand in my way.

 

Although, you may never understand my complexity

nor comprehend my diversity,

you will respect my rise above adversity.

 

Don’t you understand; I will survive…I will survive.

Jeffrey H. Williams

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