For women everywhere:

I was the girl
whose skirted legs climbed trees,
who spoke her mind with ease,
who made art as long as she pleased.

I was the girl
with eyes opened wide,
who took challenges in stride,
and let her heart be her guide.

But change came
as it does with too many girls.
“Be smaller, quieter,”
it whispered.

I was the girl
who folded up small,
who listened to the choir around her.
I was the girl who would quietly submit
to the opinion of men rather than my inner compass.

But change came
as it does with any girl who dares to listen
to the beating of her own heart.
“Be brave, be bold,”
it softly sang.

Voices of warrioresses
brave enough to claim
themselves added
to the stirring of my heart… 

I am the girl
whose yogic legs pose into Tree,
who is learning to speak her mind with ease,
who makes art rather than simply appease.

I am the girl
with eyes opened wide,
who takes challenges in stride,
and lets her heart be her guide.

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Author: Lindsay Lock
Image: Author’s Own
Editor: Travis May
Copy Editor: Danielle Beutell
Social Editor: