The Greatest Generation told me that I was protected
Protected from the nightmares of fascism and force
Protected from those who wished to harm me
Just because I was born different
Free from harm
 
My teachers, parents and preachers told me I was free
Free from a government that treats me as “less than”
Free from making my own decisions
Just because I was born female
Protected from myself
 
I am trusted to make a decision about who is in charge of my government.
I am trusted to wield a weapon.
I am trusted to chose what religion my children will serve
But I am not trusted with my own body.
I need freedom from protection.