I have left
And returned
And left again
I have shut the door
And then opened it
I have locked the door
And then unlocked it
I have wept
I have screamed
I have cursed
I have prayed
I have been lauded
For my feminine genius
I have been criticized
For my machismo feminism
I have been told no
But mostly
I have been ignored
I have been silenced
I have been patronized
I stood at their door
And knocked
To no avail
So I walked away
To other doors
Wide open, warm, welcoming
I have left
Except for my heart
Except for my longing
Except for my dreams
Except for my sisters
For those
Always
I have stayed.