paper dolls

{ on women

I am a woman,

          and I am not a prize.

Not a toy,

          or a trophy

          or one of those pretty things

men like to display on mantles.

I am not a princess,

          or a castle maid

          or a damsel

in need of saving.

For I am a woman,

          and I am more than a stereotype.

I am strong

           by myself

I am brave

          by myself

And I don't need

          a silly boy

to save me

          from myself.