A Woman’s Bill of Rights
(An Individual’s Anthem)
These truths should be self-evident;
Self-explanatory and meant
To state the rules that must be kept;
This code of conduct I accept.
When I say no then all should stop.
I want a clear path to the top.
I have the power to refuse
The people causing me to lose.
If they want to dance and I do not;
They may run cold, but I run hot;
I’m confident and pick my fights;
Courage is in my Bill of Rights.
I will be treated with respect.
I am impatient with neglect.
I will earn trust and call a truce,
But will not tolerate abuse.
I will read you my Bill of Rights;
With preconditions and insights,
That govern how I will relate
And what I will not tolerate.
Women deserve equality,
Do not use my biology,
To dismiss me with bogus claims,
Just give me access to the game.
Equal work should get equal pay
And listen to the words I say.
I am willing to pay my dues.
Don’t think for me, just let me choose.
This constitutes my Bill of Rights.
Don’t overpower me with might.
Do not negate my liberty.
Do not erode my dignity.
Decisions and the male ego
Sometimes collide when I say no.
When doing things against my will,
The pressure feels like overkill.
We will embrace our feelings
And hope to replace glass ceilings.
Injustice is a lightning rod.
We will press on against all odds.
Some may try strength to hold me down.
And bully me to make me frown.
They are not heroes in my eyes
And I have learned to improvise.
So, pick on someone your own size
I’ve learned the art of compromise,
But I have rules by which I live;
What I receive and what I give.
Authority to seek my dreams;
Live a life with high self-esteem;
To be pampered as royalty,
Worthy of love and loyalty.
I own my body and my mind.
I’m not a hostage you can bind.
I won’t accept the slurs and slights,
This is a Woman’s Bill of Rights.
Copyright © 2018 Orlando Ceaser
Wow! Thank you for writing this, Orlando. What was your inspiration when crafting this poetry? I appreciate you for standing up for equality and upholdihg women’s rights.
Thanks Karen. The inspiration was a sensitivity toward fairness and equality and the reality of our indebtedness to women and their contributions. I wrote a poem entitled Violence which I posted a few years ago. I have a number of poems I've included in my books over the years. I also had more women working for me when I was a sales manager for a major pharmaceutical company and tried to listen to their concerns. I have a daughter and 7 sisters, which keeps me focused.
You're welcome! Thank you for being observant and sensitive to what women are going through. Thanks, too, for using your voice and skill to speak about women issues and struggles. Your daughter and sisters must be very proud of you. Keep it up!
Thank you for sharing.
Your words came sooo strong and amazing. Thanks for sharing your poem with us
I am glad you appreciated it. Thanks for commenting.
Hello Orlando,
This is impressive, you have managed to feel yourself in women's shoes and do a great call out for justice. I was intrigued at how you did this so well, and smiled when I read your response Karen. It gives me hope to meet men like you. Thanks for your work.
Tam, Thanks for your kind words. I try to put myself in the shoes of others. I will continue to try to interpret the feelings of others, by listening to their words and being attentive to their feedback.
I tried to pick some favourite lines but the whole poem is wholly sympathetic and just bulls eye for what is in woman's heart in her quest for recognition, equality, respect!
Thank you for sharing your amazing writing.
Nini, Thank you for your thoughtful words. I appreciate them.