*Illustration reference:
Condola Rashad as Joan of Arc in
The Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway
revival of “Saint Joan” (2018)
She is many things yet to be seen
A partner, victor, hero, queen
For long she’s been in uphill battle
She is not silent, chains will rattle
Two steps forward, three steps back
Be warned, for grit she does not lack
For woman vital, woman strong
Alongside men, where She belongs
But were it not for bigotry
And entrenched misogyny
If time were truly on her side
At forefront would she ever ride
We must look back, but not in vain
Heartened by what we have gained
Yet look around at what we’ve lost
To trust, have faith, we’ve paid a cost
For none shall stand, firm feet on ground
And take up cause, no allies found
It’s left, as always, to ourselves
It’s up to us, and no one else
So Woman, with eternal grace
Shall forward march and take her place
Fatigued, not vanquished to such fate
Mistake to underestimate
Such power carried deep inside…
Fortitude personified!
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