Ning Nicole Qian

I may have long hair

I may have short hair

I may have facial hair

Though you may not like it.

I may wear a bra

Inside or outside

Or I may go without

Though it's no reason to stare.

I may bleed monthly

I may take a day off

I may have mood swings

Though I still get up and face the world.

I may have been judged

I may have been harassed

I may have been discriminated

Though I was just being myself.

I may look softer

I may appear delicate

I may let you have the flowers 

Though I will not yield to injustice.

I will stand tall

I will follow my dreams

I will inspire others

Though we have done this for decades. 

I will continue my mothers’ legacy

I will follow my sisters’ steps

I will challenge myself also

Though I've already made my mark. 

After so many generations

So many sacrifices

So many endurances. 

Maybe now we will be the same. 

Though it should have been 

A long time

Ago.