Feminist Theory vol 4, issue 2 (S25 216)

A

message to my younger self,

I know you feel out of place, unwanted, and alone. That feeling is temporary, and going through the tough times in life is what makes the good ones the best. You will meet your best friends. You will find selflove. You will learn to let go and have fun. You will learn that other people’s opinions sometimes do not matter. You will learn that being a woman is one of the greatest things in the world. You will also learn that hard times are inevitable, especially because you are a woman. But you will learn how to overcome them. You will learn to appreciate the life you were given. Enjoy the time you have now to figure all of that out because it allows you to cherish the future. Trust the process and enjoy the adventure. Womanhood is one of the greatest things to ever exist.

-Sydney

Dear Mary Wollstonecraft,

Words cannot express the impact you have had on me. Your words have transformed my way of thinking. You spoke a language far beyond your years and made a dent in the glass ceiling that made it possible to break decades later. Your ideas and words gave hope to thousands of women who never thought they would ever have a voice. I’m forever grateful for your contribution to the feminist cause and hope that wherever you might be you can see the impact you have had on me and society.

Love,

Shona Wilson

AIN’T I A WOMAN?

(inspiredbySojournerTruth)

Herscentissweet,awarmperfume Shelightsthefireineveryroom Herclothesembracehercurvyframe Hersmile’ssharp—sheplaysthegame Herhairflowslong Herhipsswayproud Herlaugh’ssovivacious, shestirsacrowd

She’sawoman—strongandsure Softandshining,heartsshelures Byscent,byshape,bylaugh,bygrace Byeveryglancethatlovesherface She’sawoman.

ButWHOAMI?

Ain’tIawomantoo?

WithallIlack,andallIdo Withscentandsmilethatstillaremine WithstepsItakethatfightthelines Withhipsthatswaythroughdoubtandfear Withlaughsthatbreakbutstillringclear

Ain’tIawoman—flawedandtrue? Ifnotlikeher,thensomeonenew -AngelFinney

Woman and Nature are Interconnected

They told her to be quiet, like leaves pressed in books,

They called her too loud,

to keep her in. They cut the trees and called it progress. They drew borders on the land and on her body.

They took her stories and rewrote them without her name.

But she is nature.

She grows back.

She cracks concrete with her roots, moves oceans with her tides.

She doesn’t ask permission to bloom.

She remembers who she is and no one can stop her from rising.