Not Anymore

By Jadah Jones

If only my ancestors could see me now
they’d smile and be proud
of me and my ability to think and work
outside the boundaries
men have built for us.
 
Empowered to push the limit
break the ceiling
shatter expectations
and not stand for anything
but everything
and run for something.
President?
“That’s a man’s job”
Not anymore.
Choosing a spouse?
“That’s your father’s decision”
Not anymore.
Be quiet?
“This is none of your business”
Not anymore.
 
Ruling our lives
one inch at a time
no one can take that away,
tomorrow, yesterday, today.
 
Our previous places in history:
humiliated
ignored
silenced
torn down
overlooked
rejected
yet
Not anymore.