Woman Burning
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"Dancing Flames" by Sulyn Godsey
Woman Burning
by Sulyn Godsey
i am woman in pain.
burned for my desires
burning with a passion
that no man is willing to share.
it singes the finger of his hand
as he touches my womb.
in fear he turns away
never to return
never to understand
the constant burning
inside.
he ties my hands to a stake
so i may not reach out.
he burns me for my insight
i am burned for understanding.
burned
for speaking my mind
in search of peace.
my ancestors were burned for their religion
as too
the women of witchcraft
which i choose as relations.
women dancing under the full moon
knew
that the fire they danced around
could someday engulf them.
expression
is such a high cost risk.
people sit silent
and listen to the crackling flames
of their burning needs.
silent
they watch the pain
inside the questioning eyes
burning with desire.
a fire
is not silent.
burned
burning
i cry out
to those who watch
the fateful flames
of woman
strong
speaking out
for freedom.
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Sulyn Godsey has been writing poetry since she was very young. She has recently begun to enjoy photography as well. She is happily married and is the mother of 2 grown daughters. She works as a Student Assistance Liaison, assessing students of all ages for mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues. She and her husband own a small farm in Pennsylvania where they have a large garden, fruit trees, berry bushes, and raise their own pigs for food.