‘I’m Late’ – a poem

I’m Late

I’m late.
I finally showed up,
But I’m late.

My stomach was full
So no one was hungry.

I felt safe and respected
So women were safe and respected.

I had an education
So everyone learned as I did.

I’m late.
I finally showed up
But I’m late.

I experienced no racism
So racism wasn’t a problem.

I did not fear police
So there was nothing to fear.

The world suffered
So my fellow citizens had no right to complain.

I’m late.
I finally showed up
But I’m late.

I only wanted to participate
If I felt comfortable.
If the organizers looked like me.
If the women were well behaved.
If the men approved.
If no one would misunderstand.

No one could be
Too loud
Too crass
Too demanding
Too angry
Too sinful
Too unladylike
Too unlike me.

I’m late.
I finally showed up
But I’m late.

I felt equal
So there was no inequality.

I lacked no rights
So nothing needed to change.

God was in charge
So I didn’t need to act.

I’m late
And I’m sorry.
I’m listening
I’m finally backing up my talk
With my feet.
I’m studying.
I’m doing my own work.

I’m late
But I’ll be early in the future.

I’ll keep showing up
When – and because –
Women who are different from me
Who do not
Speak like me
Think like me
Look like me
Experience like me
Take the lead.

I’m late
But you’ve been here all along
Working
Speaking up
Changing things
Sacrificing.

I’m late
But I’m ready to follow your lead
If you’ll have me.