*Content note: this piece contains reference to sexual assault

I am woman
I love flowers, I love candy, I love the color pink
I am woman
I eat, I sleep, I breathe light airy breaths
I am woman
I do my nails, I take cute pictures, I buy things in pink
I am woman
I listen to music, I dance, I wear clothes that fit
I am woman
I love to live life to the fullest, I love to be me
I am woman
I cry, I get angry, I accept. . .
I am woman
I cover my curves, I hide my body from the world
I am woman
I am at fault, I take blame, I stay quiet
I am woman
My skin is thick, it is intimidating
I am woman
Being a woman comes with risks, and fears.
I am woman
I have faced them head on
I am woman
I refuse to accept
I am woman
I celebrate my body even when others refuse to
I am woman
1 out of 6 women have experienced sexual assault
I am woman
I am that one out of six
I am woman
I stand strong

“Woman” was first published in 826 Boston’s I Find a Place: Poems Written by 9-12th Grade Students from Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers.