A dainty stem

she stands positioned between mature shrubs,

conditioned to talk delicately, attract attention, project freshness and dewiness.

She is aiming to be the season’s diamond.

COLOR. CARAT. CUT 

A dainty stem in a TAWWN (TON) with balls 

Balls of silks and satins dyed with hegemonic female desires

Hoping to dominate the ones with a lesser title.

Balls of false bravado reinforced with centuries-old notions of male dominion

Predisposed to creating a rulebook for women

ELITIST. PRUDISH. PERSNICKETY. 

We have come a long way.

A strong stalk

She stands on her own. 

Conditioned to own her space, to lead, and project confidence and conviction,

She is aiming to be the shiniest version of herself.

COMPORTMENT. CANDOR. CHARACTER. 

A seat of power

With some irrational balls

Balls that breach a woman’s right to her own body.

Balls of regressive mentality

Undermining the progressive steps taken over the years.

OPPRESSIVE. SHAMEFUL. ALARMING. 

Have we come a long way?