I have played dumb, acted clueless, pretended to be unsure
Despite knowing exactly what was going on, but I shall do so no more..
*
I am well-informed and fairly smart, I know
But I often refrain from letting my capabilities show
So that some fragile egos are not bruised
I become an accomplice in keeping up the ruse
That some men in important positions are the best
And their dominance cannot be questioned or put to test
Especially when it comes to women, they must always appear
To be in command- losing face before women is their greatest fear
*
Societal conditioning had misguided me to believe
That it was completely acceptable to achieve
Anything as long as I did understand
That men needed to have an upper hand
*
I have now accumulated enough experience to know
That I do not need to be deferential to anyone’s ego
Be it a man or a woman, while I should give respect where it is due
Shrinking myself to inflate someone’s self-worth is not something I need to do
*
So the next time I know something, I shall not pretend
To be unaware or uncertain, I shall intend
To share my opinion without hesitation or fear
Neither weak nor meek I want to appear
Passion...unbridled 