Woman

It’s curious – does being a woman come from inside or out

My body changes, but I no longer look down at my feet when I walk

My thoughts are changing too –

Quick sticks, polish the flowers, sweep the floor

There is no rush to get to the ball

I think she is a woman, although trapped inside a story as a child

I look to the strong (grown) woman who sings

As I begin to find my (sober) voice –

I like that I am learning, that I do not need potions or cake to shrink – or grow

And so I will run bare foot along the shore

Rise up from the roiling waves

Burn as strong as a pile of cinders

The world is opening up, I think

There are possibilities – windows and doors

I say to myself – ‘I don’t want to be no man’s woman

I’ve other work to get done’.

“I don’t want to be no man’s woman…I’ve other work I’ve got to get done..”

Sinead O’Conner