Maiden, marriage, motherhood, death —

Outdated ideas of a woman’s purpose.

Tending to the home and children, 

These outdated tasks are only for women to do.

A woman’s virtue is all she has.

That ancient idea keeps us complacent, 

Sacrificing self and soul, 

Cowering beneath the male gaze, 

Appearing with a semblance of delight, 

Chained to children.

Outdated notions of how women should live, 

Are we good for nothing else? 

Other than being poked at and prodded, 

Smothering makeup on our faces, 

Shaving ourselves bare, 

To be used again and again, 

Treated like rechargeable entities. 

What about our other aspirations?

For below the façade of gratitude, 

A woman’s life cycle must evolve.