Brilliant and Bold

 

For centuries,

women like Joan of Arc,

courageously commanded armies,

fought fearlessly,

and dominated enemies in combat,

Brilliant,

Brave,

and Bold.

 

For centuries,

Women like Cleopatra,

served as symbols of beauty,

knowledge and strength.

They reigned supreme as politicians

and diplomats,

spoke multiple languages,

promoted the arts,

negotiated tensions with other countries,

and established prosperity and peace.

 

For centuries

Women like Mother Teresa,

made sacrifices,

for vulnerable populations,

served selflessly,

and consistently demonstrated,

the power,

of humility and action.

 

For centuries,

women like Anne Frank,

left a legacy that will never be forgotten.

They taught us the dangers,

of hate and discrimination,

They chronicled their stories of survival,

these stories showed us,

that we are strong enough,

to overcome,

the unthinkable.

 

For centuries,

Women like Susan B Anthony,

worked tirelessly as activists.

They stood as symbols of women’s rights

and equality.

They dominated and

projected authority

in the public sphere.

 

For centuries,

Women like Rosa Parks

were known,

for their acts of defiance

and power.

Women like Frida Kahlo

dedicated their lives

to the arts

and challenged,

traditional gender norms.

Women like Maya Angelou,

wrote poems

and narratives

that inspired people

to change their lives.

Women like Princess Diana,

cared for children with AIDS.

The impoverished

and the elderly.

Women like Michelle Obama

served as attorneys,

authors,

and leaders of nations.

 

For centuries,

Women like you

and me

Will continue the journeys.

These women began,

so many years ago…

Determined and selfless,

We will make an impact with our message.

Serving as models of

compassion,

strength

and leadership in action.

Women like us,

will remain.

Brilliant,

Bold,

and Beautiful.

Beyond measure.

 

By Arianna Shaprow

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