Rose Cunningham
By our books we were taught that women who ruled can be cool
But, badge on her chest, they followed the boy without one at school
Her book said she could defend with a sword word or pen
But in the real world she was too strong and bossy, she would be silenced instead.
The queen trained in her art, got treated as equal
But earning less than 80% of a males wage, she is treated as a sequel
In society we are put on display, like on a shelf, but Virginia Woolf said it herself
“No need to hurry, no need to sparkle, no need to be anybody but oneself,”
In A Room of One's own this quote was dictated
But We must be perfect and mild, so by the world we are tolerated
She could rule with her beliefs and values, be treated as a god.
But she was told “ you’re too radical, don't speak up, this movement is odd”
Cargo pants on an adventure, her book made her strong
But once again all she hears is "you're a freak and your wrong"
In our books we have banquets, and tummies full we could come out.
But she was told after lunch one day, you’re a pig, you’ll soon grow a snout
Taught by our books, heroes come in all colours shapes and sizes
Media said if you aren’t size 0 white and blonde, you are what everyone despises
Literature is the future and we read the lessons we aren’t told
It is magical and interesting and helps us be bold
When we open the pages, we learn without a fuss
Because these books are where change is, and change is with us.
Such an interesting and well-written poem Rose!