Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She will not be spoken to
as if brand new
to this, his world:
the one she's been lead into,
like some back-alley speakeasy
where only men are heard.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She will not breathe in your smoke
or choke down pomegranate seeds
in the hopes of being freed
of your intentions.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She is not meant to be made;
to be modelled
after reformed prisoners
let out on good behaviour.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She is not meant to be made up
or blown up
or sewn up
and shipped out to Stepford.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She is not the porcelain smile
that your father made her wear
so that her bared teeth
would not frighten your child mind.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She is not responsible
for how you live your life
or whether or not you get to.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She is her own perfect storm
of vengeances sworn
and penances savoured.
Ceci n'est pas un femme.
She is not the end of all
the easer of
receiver of
your suffering.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
Animal untamed, maybe but
not one who needs training.
Ceci n'est pas une femme.
She is a tempest,
raging.
About the Creator
J
I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Comments (3)
Oh my. I'm so glad I found thus. It's amazing!
Wow, I absolutely love this. Beautiful use of language and repetition.
Lovely work, and I absolutely love your last two lines. Powerful. ❤️