In an era of oppression towards women
Where having strong opinions and ideas
To better their lives with opportunities
For education especially in 3rd world countries
To finally set them free.
Yet girls still often ridiculed from early childhood
To know their station in the hierarchy.
Of centuries of service to children
Under the auspices of the ruling patriarchy
Rarely encouraged, laughed and frowned upon
Should women express their own needs
Above their children and spouses
Never allowing to be fully liberated within their lives
To show their intelligence and skills.
Bringing to society a maternal overview
Fairer and more benevolent.
Within suppression burgeoned the suffragettes and suffragists
Whom together armed themselves with goals
To give women the vote, a sense of power and freedom
So that women's lot could at last change
Stopping the perpetuating patriarchal
Bells of obedience that persistently tolled.
Never previously felt outside of paternal needs and desires
Anarchy and rebellion erupted like a volcano,
Bubbling under the pressure of centuries
Of female violence, violation and oppression
One young woman named Emily Davison.
Of lowly beginnings felt the urge
To depart from the comfort of her mother's love
The security of her birth place in a nestling Northern town
Down to London she was bound
To support this rebel cause
To fight for the freedom to be
Who they passionately longed and wanted to be
To join the male population
In their long held privileged
Position and status in every aspect of life
To finally even up the gender score
Emily so impassioned at Epson races
Ran out among the horses to place a suffragette rosette
On the King’s horse competing in the Derby.
Yet she missed her mark,
Anmer galloping too fast,
Knocked her heavily off her feet.
Within days she was no longer with us
Bequeathed to a spiritual life,
Her body then committed to the ground.
Yet, we must remember Emily
All that her young years achieved,
As she left a legacy for all girls and women
To be as passionate about their rights and needs
Although many freedoms now gained
There are still many to still attain.
So we must forge bravely ahead
With the legacy the suffragettes began.
Carry on fighting for our rights
Commit to working as passionately
To this valiant cause of
Equality for all women's rights
Until we are granted the rewards of this gargantuan quest.
Copyright Natasha Anne Kelleher October 2020 Not to be copied published broadcast or performed without the written permission
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