From Woman to Woman

It’s been difficult for both of us. Being born to be criticized, devoured by the eyes of society. Having to subdue your light, because the thirst of others to consume your body is always done at the expense of your comfort. It has been extremely difficult.

I still repress from looking at men in the eyes, because my suppressed hatred for the ones that have hurt me might resurface. I still feel their eyes inspecting my body, and it feels like burns on my skin.

I still judge my appearance too harshly. Whether it be the dark spots on my chin, or the hair that grows there. My father once told me the stretch marks on my body were only getting worse, and the time it took to undo this hatred for my stretched skin felt irrelevant, because there was always another insecurity that would take it’s place.

I still think of the times that I would judge other women so harshly, only because I was uncomfortable with the concept of myself. I was taught to compete with you, to view you as an enemy. Even though you have suffered, just like I have suffered, I was taught to never admit that to you or even understand you.

How dare we let them step all over us? as if were not the ones that bring life into this world. How dare they step all over us? as if were not the creators of this realm.

I refuse to view our womanhood as a curse. I refuse to judge you. I refuse to view myself as any different than you. From woman to woman: we are here, and we are the answer.