She earns 80 cents for every dollar he makes She feels less respected and more separated Her words are loud but no one's listening Like locks on their minds, fixed For how long, she thinks Will she have to prove herself? They expect her to be perfect To balance her relationships, work, and family
She ignores the taunting smirks Her reflection in the mirror will never be enough (Body image issues) She’s told she has a place in this world She’s told exactly how to be The stench of her sweat intimidates They wonder if her muscles are getting too big Her rose perfume isn’t her only scent Her smile isn’t her only expression Her determination is threatening She’s angry, it's not from hormones A system is built against her The world views her through a preconceived lens Society does not adapt to change; Forming generations of inequality She is strong She is a leader She’s not “too manly” She’s not “unfeminine” She won’t try to fit in, she stands out She keeps up her walls She won’t let them knock her down Her perseverance is stronger Her only true limitation Is where she builds her fences