Exposition and Protest

Exposition and Protest

For John C. Calhoun, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and my rapping AP US History class
I am here to Protest
To Reject and nullify
Your words and those eyes
Slinkin’ up and down ‘cause I
Don’t want to be objectified.

I am here to clarify
I am not just a pretty face, not just
A body for your eyes to trace.
Because, just like Stanton I am here
To declare my sentiments
There are no separate spheres
I am your peer,
I am not a regiment
But I am cognizant, there is something beyond
My eyes.

And here you need to realize
That thought does not abscond
With beauty
I am not the weaker sex
I refuse
To condone a history
Of injuries and usurpations
My opinions are no mystery
My mind will not be subject to your denigration.

I am here to enlighten.
Because I can
Today I will
Raise my voice in protest
So that you can
Tomorrow you will
See me in context.

Annalee Kwochka