Anger coursing through my veins
At the injustices that surround
'Equality for all' a fine idea
One that the world resounds

I suppose it's equality at work
When you look at the labor force
Instead of looking any better
The statistics are looking worse

A man curses in public
He is applauded, but
A girl says the same thing
And she's dubbed a slut

Parents teach their boys
To fight for themselves
The girls are trained
To wish their bullies well

This will not be admitted
They will say I'm wrong
'Equality is real,' they say
And try to destroy my song

And as I pen these words
Some will likely be bound
To tell me it's incorrect
And I need to calm down

Women's history month
For freedom gained politically
But yet, in our communities
Equality is only a simile

It's reminding the women
To be grateful for today
For if this were the past
Life wouldn't be this way

I don't care if things are better
They are still not right
We need to stop cheering
And stand up and fight

Fight for equality at work
For protection at home
Fight for respect at church
Or even when you're alone

Ladies, our freedom is won
But our equality is not
We can't exstinguish the torch
Of those who have fought

And as I speak these words
And into your eyes I stare
Know we haven't won yet
We're only halfway there


© Shelby Pryor