Soft is not my middle name
But I know to respect tradition
From my ancestors.
Being on my knees for the elders
Is my tradition not weakness.
I will not look you in the eye
If you wish to speak to me
And that is respect not disrespect
As you suspect.
I am prideful
Relentless
And confident
Imitating the women of my life;
Mama, aunt and grandma
.
I am Africa’s daughter
A woman
Papa’s morning sun
Hibiscus flower
Of African soil
Not goods for trade;
Dare not place a price tag on me
In exchange for my hand in Marriage
.
Once I am married,
Pressure me not to bare
A “village” for the clan
For
I am only human
Just like u
Only blessed to be
An African woman.
~Susan McMillan
For many African women who still suffer under the pressure of tradition.
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