My poem to the world

My life my choice my rights

My life is controlled, my choices are criticized, And my rights aren't the same as that of a man.

I am a woman and it leaves me at a loss

I am being held back, yet to reach my full potential. All because I am a woman

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is an epistolary novel written by renowned Vietnamese-American poet, Ocean Vuong. In the novel, the main character, Little Dog, writes a letter to his mother, Rose, detailing what it was like growing up as a Vietnamese immigrant in a country foreign to both himself

We’reBrieflyGorgeous shows how the relationships people form with others are but brief fragments of time. Like most young love, Little Dog met his lover under a blazing summer: barn hay, sweat, and a radio turned to the sports channel. Even though his lover struggled with a cocaine addiction, it did not stop Little Dog from being there for his lover. In a way, their love for each other was similar to the very substance hindering their

As I got closer to the end of the book, I delayed myself for days in order to not finish this wonderful piece of writing. I guess a piece of myself did not want the book to end because it sparked something in me. However, when I did get myself to flip those last few pages, blankness and awe greeted me. The following days, I felt like a ghost, more or less a walking wound; a pouring wound that opened after I closed this very book. This feeling took me by surprise, and I did not think I would get over this book for some time. Even if I did, the thought of this book still lingers in the back of my mind.

For years frowned upon looked at like a maid And having to put up with the fragile masculinity. For years I have fought and I will not quit until I have what I deserve. I deserve nothing less but the same rights as a man, I see no difference and yet we are treated as if we are a completely different species. They make a difference that isn't there all because they're men. I want control in my life, I want to be able to take the reins and say this is who I am and I am proud.

I am proud of who I am

I am not proud of who you make us out to be. A man is strategic but because I am a woman it was all calculated. I am not able to react but I do overreact.

All because I am a woman.

WRITTEN BY GISELLE CARDENAS