This poem is something I've been thinking of for a while, but never actually sat down to write until recently. Anyone who knows me knows that I strongly identify as a feminist; to me, there is nothing more empowering than girl-power. It makes my heart full to see other women succeed, thriving in this world that was not built for us to succeed in.

The piece begins with myself, and a future I envision for myself. I thought of other women around me and their experiences and incorporated those into the piece as well. Finally, I end the piece talking about a little girl—my goddaughter, or my cousins, or maybe my own daughter one day.

The Future is Female

The future is female

The future is a strong, independent female

With a degree

And a mortgage in her name,

Not her husband's.

The future is a strong, independent, queer female

Who doesn't bat an eye when she tells people

She likes boys and girls

Because nobody bats an eye at her when she says it.

The future is a strong, independent, queer female

With black skin,

Or brown skin,

Or white skin,

Because in her future, it doesn't make a difference.

The future is a woman who has been through hell and back

At the hands of a man

But despite all odds, she came out on top.

The future is a woman who sits alone in her STEM classes

Because the men in her field ostracize her

For being female

And she knows her work is worth more than their jokes.

The future is a little girl

With big brown eyes and two big brothers

Who will live her life constantly fighting

To be viewed as an individual, and not just

So-and-so's little sister.

She will grow up to become a strong, independent woman

With a degree

And maybe even a mortgage in her name

And she will have the world at her fingertips,

Ready to mend the broken pieces

And protect the people who can't protect themselves

And she will do it

She will do anything she puts her mind to

Because the future is hers.