La·dy·like
Adjective
Definition: appropriate for or typical of a well-bred, decorous woman or girl
Synonyms: respectable, civilized, and polished

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told, “sit like a lady,” or “act ladylike”
But what defines a lady?
Is it the way we sit?
Or maybe how tight our clothes fit?

Since I’m a lady, must I sit on the dignified throne assembled by the tears and screams of the women before me begging to be more than eye candy for the man’s admiration?

Every time I’m demanded to sit like a lady,
the throne gets polished
Perhaps that’s what defines a lady
How bright we shine
The second we emerged out of the womb,
We were picked and poked to be perceived as polite

La·dy·like
Adjective
Synonym: polished

So perhaps that’s what defines a lady
How bright we shine
Correction!
…how bright we shine after being polished

When you’re ladylike, you’re respected
As respected as a gift to be gifted to a naïve child
Tightly wrapped and glamorous on the exterior
To only conceal what’s within

La·dy·like
Adjective
Synonym: respectable

To be ladylike is to be civil
Like a pet to be domesticated
Like a wild animal to be tamed
Well-bred to be birthed into society as urbane

La·dy·like
Adjective
Synonym: civilized

But what defines a lady?