I walk the same road
As my ancestors once did
Become successful
They haunt me
I tried to be what society wants me to be
Like they did
You're beautiful
You'll make it in the world
They say to me
But I don't want to be beautiful
I want to be me
But I stay beautiful
Like they did
Put on makeup
So you'll get prettier
They say
But I don't want to be pretty
I want to be me
And I pause.
...
And I put on makeup
My hands shaking
Like they did
Keep your hair long
You'll look more feminine
They say
But I want the opposite of feminine
I want to be me
I pause.
...
And I refuse.
My ancestors frown
No
No
No
You're a daughter of a great man and woman
Become the woman you are supposed to be
They panic
I simply say
I'm no woman.
And they leave,
Disappointed,
And I leave happy
Like they once did.
