this is the history of the lineage of women

This is the history of the lineage of women before you
those who were refused by mere being of age
of a certain skin darker than yours

this is the history of the line of women before you
ones who didn't talk about the lining of mistakes
over jealousy like butter and jam

this is the history of the line of women before you
who stood tall in heels
even when they preferred to be sitting

this is the history of the line of women before you
who never got a chance
in the first place to think deeply about the ways one loves

this is the history of the line of women before you
who failed at saying their mind
because speaking in a certain tongue chaffed at eogs

this is the history of the line of women before you
who realized they will become lessons
to the women who came after them in bold marching steps.