Surrender to Society

2025 Barrett Winner

4th Place Emily Shiroda

Late at night, when the flower
wilts the most,
you lay awake thinking.
No, dreaming,
about a world where everyone sees you
for who you truly are…a Woman.

Young women are forced to follow “rules”
that are meant to dim your light.
Look your best for men, but never show too much
because “they can’t control themselves”.
Never fail, fall down, or quit, if you do
everyone will be disappointed.
Be the leader, but always listen to
what your peers tell you.
Stand up tall and be confident,
but don't act too confident
or everyone says you're “cocky”.

Shackles hold your hands and feet to the ground,
so you never learn to fly
because flying shows you can escape to a better life.
But no…you can’t have that better life
without sacrificing your beliefs.

Men’s eyes examine your body as you walk
through the grocery store.
Aisle 13: Potato Chips, Popcorn.
The man who followed you over from aisle 6.
Girls analyzing your face so they can tell
their friends about your new zit.
Everyone looks at you like you’re a doll.
Everyone has opinions about you.
Everyone has something to say.

You want to speak up, but society tells you, you’re too loud.
Mothers teach their daughters to yell “mom” instead of help.
Fathers yelling and hurting their daughters over an outfit.
Uncles saying “Wow look how much you've grown up”
as they look down your blouse.
Young women portrayed as dogs, always wanting
attention from the closest person.

Everything is always our fault,
our problem to solve. Always, a victim.
It’s not true.
We are strong, we are powerful.
We are doctors, we are soldiers,
we are … Powerful.
We are told we won’t ever amount to a man.
We won’t succeed in life without a man.
You can’t do it, you’re only a woman.
You’re to skinny, your too fat.
You’re too pale, you should
wear more make up.

But why?
Why do we live in a world like this.
I may never know, but what I do know is,
I AM strong,
I AM successful,
I AM a woman.

We can do anything as long as we never,
not even for a second,
give up on what we want this life to be.
I see everything I am, and decide, I am beautiful.
Together women must rise from the
ashes of their struggles, their hearts intertwined.
Our souls mending the shattered pieces of another
A silent testament to the power of…
Sisterhood.