I have been paid less for more.

I have been expected to be nothing for me and everything for them.

I have been judged and scored by them.

I have been rated for what I have on the outside.

They ignore the insides.

They ignore the words no and stop.

They ignore the rules, the “set in stone” ones.

They ignore the ones who have an opinion.

They ignore the truth.

They think that I am theirs to take.

They think that they get to make the decisions for me.

They think they matter more than me. 

They think they are better than me.

They think they deserve more than me.

I can't show my stomach or shoulders.

I can't use strong language.

I can't use my voice in case it upsets them.

I can't wear to much makeup but 

I can't be barefaced either.

I can't dress like them.  

I couldn't vote. 

I couldn't work.

I couldn’t take action.

I couldn’t speak until called upon.

I couldn't fight or disagree.

I couldn't wear anything but a dress that brushed the bottom of my knees.

I have to have their kids. 

I have to cook all their meals.

I have to clean “their” house.

I have to do their laundry.

I have to play their games.

I have to entertain their friends.

I have to make nice with the wives of their friends.

I believe that one day I will be treated the same.

I believe that one day I will be able to wear what I want without branding me as a good girl or a bad one.

I believe that one day I will be allowed to have a voice, one big and loud.

I believe that one day I won't have to “deal” with sexist, passive aggressive comments.

I believe that one day I will be paid the same as them.

I believe that one day we will study books and poems that aren't only about old white men.

I believe that one day I won't have to do twice the work to get half their respect. 

I believe that one day I will be seen as an equal.