I raise my fist
There comes a time
When you are first
First to see
First to flee
First to hear
Before anybody near
What is your next feeling
That comes even when you are kneeling
To pray and dispel the fear
For being the first
How easy is it to be frozen
In fear of the unknown
To close your mouth and keep quiet
Even though you will be uncomfortable
But then, first is a chance
To show who you are
Blossoming for all the world to see
That I am first and free to choose
My feelings too
First to challenge
Long held beliefs about my people
About me
About my sex
About my community, about my existence.
Thank God for being first
To confront the fear
And face the baying crowds
Head on
With no fear
For being the first in victory
I raise my fist in triumph
Over all their invisible walls
That close me inside the cold shelf
I raise my fist.
I raise my fist
I raise my fist
–
Comment by the poet: This poem was written in honour of my role as one of the “Modern Day Lady Godiva”. I made Coventry Move. I moved on the horse in the city of 5 June 2021 (with clothes on of course).