You invalidate me
with your eyes
each time
you look
through me
with indifference
You invalidate me
with your words
as you objectify
my gender
You invalidate me
with silence
as you refuse
to acknowledge
my beauty
You invalidate me
with your thoughts
as you attempt
to silence
my intellect
You invalidate
my womanhood
my full hips
and rich skin
You invalidate me
when you misinterprete
my kindness
for weakness
You invalidate me
when you disrespect
my body
You invalidate me
when you don't
recognize my value
You invalidate me
when you take
advantage of
my love

Recognize my pain
and soothe it
Let me speak
of my worth
and respect
me

# # # # # #
As I journey through my third decade I am just coming into my womanhood. Please bear with me as I find my voice and roar.