i am a woman. – an original poem
Women are highly stigmatized in today’s culture. We are seen as objects instead of people. We are seen as less and weaker. We are seen to break easier. According to a study done by American Psychological Association, it says, “When it comes to mental illness, the sexes are different: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression, while men tend toward substance abuse or antisocial disorders” (APA). As you can see, both men and women struggle with mental health. Men can and do still have depression and anxiety, and women can and do still have substance abuse disorders and antisocial disorders. This does not make one weaker than the other, for we all struggle. Yet, I say there is beauty in resilience. We need to break down the barriers of what we can and cannot do just because we are a certain sex. We are more than that. In this poem, I write how I am proud to be a woman along with how I am equal and should be treated that way.
Link to study done by APA: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/08/mental-illness.aspx
I Am A Woman.
an original poem
by bethany cohen
I Am A Woman.
a woman who
will not be
shaken
by what others
around me say
by what people
whisper about
my figure
my style
my beauty
or lack thereof
all according to them
they think they know it all
they smirk
they scoff
they sit in turmoil
& jealousy
because they do not see
that i am glad
to be a woman
a woman with
a voice
one who celebrates other women
who uplifts them
than competes against them
who does not find their power
intimidating
but finds it impressive &
representing womankind well
i can do what you do
i am just as
Intelligent
Innovative
Strong
Brave
as you men
don’t doubt my abilities
trust in me
i trust in you
give me challenges
treat me just like them
there is no difference
between what you and i
can do.
neither is better
than another
WE ARE =.
well maybe i can
give birth
and you cannot
last time i checked
but
i can defend the law
i can protect our people
i can save lives
i can teach
compete
help
reach
& preach
just like you
i am fierce
and kind
all at the same time
for,
I Am a Woman.
do not doubt me
in what i can do,
for i’ll show you too.
