Gender Image

Written by Ms. Berman

Words thrust at me before I can process

”This world is so messed up,” you say.

I want to be honest but encouraging as well,

How do I convince you it will all be okay?

“You don’t get growing up in this generation;

There are no women role models for me.”

I cringe at this thought, where did we go wrong?

The female spirit has yet to be set free.

I am partly to blame for not facing the truth

that feminism has become a muddied illusion.

For not seeing the angst this young woman was in

growing up in an era of contradiction and confusion.

But I now see the courage you cannot see in yourself

as you can’t see the forest from the trees.

You will grow through this phase and come out altered but strong

and you will then start to feel more at ease.

To face this troubled world with all of its ills

drives many people to put up a mask.

But to take on each day with a benevolent goal

is a reasonable, achievable task.

Remember that processing all problems at once

from the future to the present to the past.

Will be too much to bare, so bite off small chunks

at one time so your stamina will last.

You’re a goddess of sorts but don’t see it in you

and all that you do every hour.

Makes an impact on those all around you if chosen

the control is within your own power.

So remember the starfish, the one who is needy

and know it's an honorable act.

To reach out to make changes to bring pride to your peers

and focus on this well-hidden fact.

For the strong female you search for is within me and within you,

and united we will find how it works.

In this adventure called life which is riddled with doubt

especially when we have our own quirks.

But let’s start slow together one gesture one moment

in trust that goodness will abound.

And we can pool our strength and be there for each other

We must turn our gender image around.