Cheers to the End

I will do this for the one who grazed
the top of their dreams with their
calloused fingertips.

I will do this for my mother who
left her dreams in the basement of
her childhood home to collect
cobwebs.

I will do this for my grandmother
who wanted to be a nurse
but was told no.

I will do it for all the women
who look like me.
Skin the color of trees and the women
who have stood when they were told
to sit down.

The ones with hearts messier and thirstier than most.
The ones with wild eyes and fierce dreams.

Ladies, let me tell you.
   Stay messy.
              thirsty,
                    loud,
                       and sincere.

The world will tell you that's not ladylike.

You have no obligation to them.

So I will do this for all of you.
The tigers in hiding.
The ones with swords for tounges that
are told to be quiet.

This is for you.
This is us cheering to the end of your dying.

Wake up, sisters.
It's time to live.