I, Woman

This poem was inspired by the event/transformation of Caitlin Jenner. When she was Bruce, the commentary featured athletic/business accomplishments. When she became a woman, the focus entirely shifted to her level of attractiveness. So, I thought how wonderfully liberating it would be to begin a poem with a female narrator stating the most controversial statement a woman can make within our society, "I am not beautiful." 

I, Woman

I am not [YOUR] beautiful 

I am not pretty, tied up neatly 

I am not the standard 

I am not above/below

I am not number 1-10; 2-32

I am a woman

I am not a saint

I am not a pure heart

I am not a martyr

I am not in need of rescue

I am a woman

I am not gracious

I am not manic pixie 

I am not adorkable

I am not sweetheart honey

I am a woman

I am flesh

I am blood

I am large and small 

all.at.once 

I am a woman

and that'll have to do.