SHE

She is they.

She is ze.

 She is them.

She is we.

 She is you.

She is me.

 

She is your friend,

Your sister,

your cousin,

 your teacher.

 

She is a stranger.

Your aunt,

your boss,

your preacher.

 

She is many voices

Choked back by tears

of criticism

of humiliation.

 

She can’t even whisper

Silenced from fear.

of rejection

of retaliation.

 

 She is the phoenix

Risen from the flame.

Left in the ashes

Sorrow and shame.

 

 She is the woman

Who no one will tame.

The past behind.

The future she claims.

 

 She is the C.E.O.

in power suit and heels.

She is the grandma

who makes the best meals.

 

She is the celebrity

you would love to meet.

She is the destitute 

living on the street.

 

She is the small child

cowered in fear.

She is the woman

you  see in the mirror. 

 She is they.

She is ze.

 She is them.

She is we.

 She is you.

She is me.