I Was Not Raised to Be Silent

The Voice Within I was not raised to be silent. I was not raised to bow or shrink when the world told me to.

Sparking Through Fear I was raised to speak even when my voice trembled. To speak even when it echoed against walls that refused to listen.

Challenging the Rules I was raised to ask questions that made grown men uncomfortable. To challenge rules that made women small. To carve my name into spaces that told me I didn’t belong.

Breaking Silence I was not raised to wait politely for permission to exist. I was not raised to whisper in corners or dim my light so others could shine.

Rising and Roaring I was raised to roar. To stand when the ground quaked beneath me. To lift my hands and my voice and demand the world acknowledge me.

For Every Woman I will speak for every woman who has been told to hush. For every girl whose laughter was trimmed so it wouldn’t annoy. For every soul pushed aside because silence was easier for them.

Final Declaration I was not raised to be silent. And I will not be quiet.