Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers
When Chocolate's Not Enough
With three women sharing this year's Nobel Peace Prize for their part in fighting for women's rights, I thought I'd share my very first piece of published writing with you - and very apt it seems, too.
It's a poem I wrote for the anthology 'When Chocolate's not Enough' (2001) edited by Heather Killingray and although it now feels a little naive, not only does its message still resonate with many women today, it's the very piece of writing that gave me the confidence to finally follow my dream of becoming a full time,
professional writer.
So here goes...
I AM
A poem by Suzie
Tullett
Tullett
Where does it say that girls have to wear dresses
And produce sickly smiles?
Why can’t girls play in the mud
And climb trees?
I don’t understand, because I know I could if you’d let me
I can’t believe you’re telling off for telling you what I think
I am able to think, you know
Where does it say that young girls have to be slim and follow the latest fashion?
Be in love with the latest heart throb?
I don’t understand why I can’t play football instead of netball
Because I know I could if you’d let me
I can’t believe you’re telling me off for wearing boots instead of shoes
And why shouldn’t girls have their hair cut short?
I am an individual you know
Where does it say that wives have to be quiet?
And look after their husband, want children and then stay at home?
I don’t understand why I can’t have money, friends or any live at all
Because I know I could if you’d let me
I can’t believe you’re telling me off for wanting a job
It is only part time
I am ambitious, you know
Where does it say that mothers have to breast feed
Enjoy the responsibility and deny their sexuality?
I don’t understand why I can’t have time to myself to do the simplest of things
Because I know I could if you’d let me.
I can’t believe your telling me off for not washing your sports kit
And making dinner on time
I am human you know
Where does it say that Grandmothers have to bake cakes
Knit jumpers and blue rinse their hair?
I don’t understand why being old means you can’t join in,
Have fun, have sex
Because I know I could if you’d let me
I can’t believe you’re telling me off for wanting to live
I am alive you know
Comment
Sponsored Links
Most Active Members
Publishers Weekly
NPR Books
NY Times Book Reviews
© 2024 Created by Authors.com.
Powered by
You need to be a member of Authors.com to add comments!
Join Authors.com