Ladies

“Here’s a toy baby 
And here’s your toy kitchen. 
You better start practicing now 
Your life’s position.” 
From a very young age 
We are taught that the degradation of men 
Is a sign of their adoration. 
We are taught to tolerate this 
And to just smile back, 
Hiding our rage. 
Instead of putting our foot down 
And dishing it back. 
As we get older 
We are taught that our 
Lips must bed red, 
Our bodies must be hairless, 
Our hair must be stained, 
But also look natural at the same time. 
We are brainwashed 
That in order to be beautiful 
Our faces must be coated in make-up. 
There must not be any 
Red spots, 
Age spots, 
Pimples, 
Or wrinkles. 
“Your eyes are so gorgeous! 
But you need MORE eye shadow to enhance the green. 
I’m not trying to be mean, 
Just trying to help you bring OUT your natural beauty.” 
“Your skin is too pale 
Here are some tanning beds to give you cancer, 
Or some chemicals to stain your skin yellow, 
‘We call this the sun-kissed glow.’ 
Darling your health doesn't matter. 
Haven’t you heard beauty has its price?” 
Our clothes must meet the mainstream standard. 
Our worth is measured by the height of our heels. 
“Show more cleavage 
But don’t be a slut.” 
“Excuse me, 
But your jeans aren't tight enough. 
I can hardly see every detail of your butt.” 
“What are you doing in anything above a size three?” 
“Hit the gym, 
Develop an eating disorder, 
Here are some diet pills that will destroy your body, 
Do anything to make yourself thinner.” 
“You’re a size 0?” 
“Honey you’re far too thin, 
It’s really disgusting. 
You need to start eating, 
But don’t you dare get fat.” 
Watch what enters your mouth 
And what leaves it. 
“It’s not ladylike to talk too loud, 
Or talk too much, 
And be careful not to cuss.” 
But fuck your idealistic standards! 
Am I not good enough just to be me? 
Why do I need to expose my chest in order to get a job in any industry? 
Why can’t my face be clean? 
Since when do I need a man’s approval, 
In order for me to be beautiful? 
Call me a fool, 
Because I’m not drowning in any man’s drool. 
I didn't have to sleep with anyone 
To get where I am today. 
I just broke through all your stereotypes. 
I dream of a day 
Where rape doesn't have to be justified, 
Or a women doesn't have to defile herself 
In order to get paid, 
And tears won’t be shed over an abusive guy. 
Ladies hold yourselves higher! 
Stop buying magazines, 
The ones with the photo-shopped naked woman on the front cover. 
The label on out clothes shouldn't dictate how we behave. 
Stop submitting yourselves to the mainstream's fantasy! 
I promise being who you are is more than okay.