Don’t fret and fume
The freckles and the acne
They tell a story of joyous adolescence
and fresher freer times
Don’t botox and peel
The wrinkles and dark circles
They are a testimony to the richness
of experience and hard work
Don’t hide and twist
The stretchmarks and the love
handles
They fondly reminiscence the
warmth of a baby and motherhood
Don’t cave in
The circle of mysognyny and
patriarchy
There are a few good men who behold
and further our women
Don’t box away your dreams
The hardships and injustice
They shut more mouths and sweeten
your success
Girl – go do your thing
There is no knight
There is no Prince Charming
No pumpkin carriage and no glass
slipper
Some dusty paths that you can
trek and conquer
Few life decisions that you can fight
and live by
One real world that you can own
and rule
