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A post shared by Tarn Ellis (@tarnellisart) on May 31, 2020 at 2:36am PDT

I find myself constantly inspired by my sisters.

Not blood ones, but those with whom I share ideas.

I dedicate this poem to Michelle Obama, AOC, Emma Watson, Frida Kahlo, Gloria Steinem, Mary Wollstonecraft, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Warsan Shire, Jacqueline Kennedy, and many more.

I am sorry you confused me

with a little shiny toy.

I apologize

that my dress was too tight.

And I stayed way too late

past midnight.

Sorry

my tone was too bossy

in this big boy’s office.

It’s not my place

to talk.

I apologize

my mother

and grandmother

were always saviors

housewives.

Of course you expected that from me!

My eyes say sorry

And I modestly look down

When asked:

Did you paint that?

I apologize:

I am just playing art.

I apologize

if I am too pretty.

Just sit and talk.

I am sorry, I am

not a wife

never a mother.

How abnormal

for a woman to expect

to at least be

treated the same

as man.

I am sorry.

I am not comfortable

like a new leather couch.

I am sorry;

I was never burned.

~