Strong, resilient, like no other Fighter, defender, lover, mother, Teacher, leader, inspiration, Backbone of a generation. Of a kind, yet individual, Shrugging off the chains residual That remain from eons past, Smashing ceilings made of glass. She honours mothers, sisters, aunts, Who fought to give her every chance To vote, to lead, to work, to win, To overcome history’s sins. Her light burns brightly: in her wake Are those she has inspired to take The future into their own hands, On their own terms, not those of man.
It’s a difficult day at work as She realises her childhood dream Of becoming a star a the circus Was not as silly as it seemed.
The contortionist folds herself neatly Into a sturdy coloured box And pulls the lid closed tightly So the clowns can close the locks That confine her securely within, Which ends the first act, allowing The escapologist’s act to begin. Daring, nimble, death-defying! She emerges from the locks and chains Escaping the darkness that smothers, Miraculously free of those constraints Inflicted on her by others. But the show is not over yet! She leaps onto the high trapeze Of life without a safety net Where she swings and sails with ease, Until the tightrope twists and tangles While she’s still up in the air – She is caught and left to dangle While the audience gawps and stares. Upside down, she swings herself low Then dives into a tiny pool! It’s all part of the Big Top freak show Full of wonders, misfits and fools. She stands smiling at the Ringmaster Who deftly throws those deadly knives Which fly so hard and fast at her That one false move could end her life. An almighty roar distracts her – There’s a lion on the prowl! Hungry for blood, it attacks her Then continues to snarl and growl. Taking a whip and a sturdy chair, With which to tame the big cat’s rage, She holds its gaze with a steely glare And forces it back into its cage. The strong woman flexes her muscles Benchpressing the weight of the world, Carrying it all as she hustles: A veritable Supergirl. She juggles all the spheres of her life Despite her growing sense of doom, All the while balancing astride The elephant in the room.
She keeps looking for the exit sign And dreams of running away From being the star attraction At the circus, day after day.
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