Fiercely Soft ‘No’

For all my spirals of soft, I say ‘no’.

Cognisant that guilt for asserting my needs was woven within the carefully created tapestry of my brown womanhood. Passed down for centuries, this painfully abhorrent gift is lovingly handed from mother to daughter.

For my foremothers, now wiser ancestors, who were taught it was a selfish act, I say ‘no’.

For all the times I sacrificed the carefully cradled energy that I required, I say ‘no’.

For the yes role that taught me to be an empty mother, daughter, wife in order to be awarded the label of a good woman, wife and mother, I say ‘no’.

For those who seek out a good, nice and sweet girl, I say ‘no’.

For all the many times my being locked me into a learnt state of agreeing, I say no.

My deserved happiness says ‘no’ to being fearful of your morose undertones that follow your inability to respect my boundaries.

Assertiveness you are mine, I clench you after years of being taught that I am here to please the being of the other.

Yes, I am fiercely soft and my healing, pulposus soul repeatedly says ‘no’.