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Lin Lane | + Follow Poet |
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I Am Called Woman

Sometimes, I find myself on a battleground
in the present or in sieges from the distant past
It may be a war I've been waging within myself,
a thorn that needs plucking so that I might heal
I wear no crown, nor do I wish to be gowned
in regal robes and sit upon a throne looking down
on anyone.  For me, those things hold no appeal
I am rebellious against the many wrongs I've seen
and if you think it's mean of me to feel that way—
You don't know me well enough to pass judgement

With regret, I've been the cause of an Angel's weeping
when down a misguided path I chose to walk
Mistakes? I've made my share of them, maybe more
but I've always tried to amend my faults in some way
Indemnity is not always reimbursed with coin
More often than not, my tears the price to pay

Sometimes, even I have not found the sentience of it—
things I do; emotions I feel. No reason as to why except
that I am compelled without restraint or prudence to try
I refute the need to live by the creed of the golden rule—
for only a fool would claim the world is a righteous place
where smug faces play fair in games of love and war

If I am defeated, I never hesitate to stand again
for I've always despised the thought of white flags
and retreating like a coward again and again, in sad refrain
I garner resilience and strength from every enemy I meet
and in defeat, my stratagem sharpens much keener
I am not a warrior; that's not the path I want to take
I've been storm tossed in seas of turbulent weather
When faced with animosity, I will not shiver and quake
Offered silk or suit of armor— I prefer a softer demeanor

   Self-professed I am supple of breast 
       Heart not crafted from leather
           From flesh, blood and bone
              Of the gender called woman 
                 I was not chiseled from stone 

Copyright © Lin Lane | Year Posted 2025

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Joe Dimino Date: 6/2/2025 2:12:00 AM "Indemnity is not always reimbursed with coin More often than not, my tears the price to pay" -- for sure, even those shed in private saturate the consciousness of humanity. "Self-professed I am supple of breast Heart not crafted from leather From flesh, blood and bone Of the gender called woman I was not chiseled from stone" -- Very beautiful! Perfect! Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/2/2025 7:06:00 AM Good morning, Joe and thank you very much for cluing me in on the lines you liked best.

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/29/2025 8:27:00 AM Dearest Lin, What a wonderful testament to the battles waged within and without, a box of regret, resilience, and refusal to be hardened by the world’s cruelties. I could feel your ache of old sieges, the courage to rise after defeat, and the quiet pride in choosing softness over armor. Your words wield honesty like a banner, never shying from flaws or sorrow, yet always finding strength in vulnerability. Supple-hearted, uncarved by stone, and ever unbowed by the storm. Amen! Spring Blessings, My Dear Lin, Daniel Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/1/2025 2:58:00 PM You have always had your finger on the pulse of my poetry, Daniel. It's very much appreciated.

Billie Jama Date: 5/28/2025 9:02:00 AM Lin, this poem shows the strength we as women embody. Your words flow eloquently. Your own courage and strength ignite through your writing. I always enjoy your poetry. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/1/2025 2:57:00 PM and the strength of many women.. you included, Bille. Thank you.

Ink Empress Date: 5/28/2025 8:53:00 AM Dear linnersz, what a most powerful write on being one that isnt silenced, a woman who has a voice, resilient and stands firm and tall against all odds, a real one that has seen so much in life! I love the sincerity in your lines especially “ I am rebellious against the many wrongs I've seen and if you think it's mean of me to feel that way— You don't know me well enough to pass judgement” we live in a world that is quick to pass judgement, but we know better that what others dont know or think, dont define us! Pleasure reading this powerful poem! Sending you lignt always Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/1/2025 2:57:00 PM Thank you very much for the great remarks, Ink. Always appreciative of our friendship.

Jan Allison Date: 5/27/2025 3:08:00 PM After reading this epic poem, no one can be left in any doubt you are an AMAZING woman! hugs jan xx Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 5/27/2025 4:04:00 PM Thank you, Jan. They can and they will, but it doesn't matter to me as long as friends like you are around. ;-)

Duke Beaufort Date: 5/27/2025 2:48:00 PM Lin, it would be very difficult to take a formula and apply it in all situations. Everything we face has nuances, and I think you are very well equipped to deal with whatever comes. You describe a sense of balance and care, and I would hope many of us would welcome that in the situations we find ourselves in. I am particularly struck by your comment on the golden rule. It highlights how difficult real life is. We have to deal with some difficult situations and knowing how to handle them is not just A+B=C everytime. You are wise. Smiles!! Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 5/27/2025 4:02:00 PM Thank you for the many points you've made in your comments, Duke. I can't argue with any of them, except perhaps the one that I am wise. ;-) Seriously, you know how much I am grateful for your many reads of my poetry.

Lioness Onpaper Date: 5/27/2025 8:12:00 AM A beautiful take on the subject.. wear no crown, nor do I wish to be gowned in regal robes and sit upon a throne looking down on anyone. Exactly… a woman is beyond the robes n throne. Wonderfully written. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 5/27/2025 9:51:00 AM Thank you for your appreciation of these verses, Lioness.

Abdullah Alhemaidy Date: 5/27/2025 7:37:00 AM You are big in positive sense! That's all what I would like to write here. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 5/27/2025 7:59:00 AM What you've written is more than enough for me to understand your comment. Thank you, Abdullah. ;-)

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 5/27/2025 6:57:00 AM - " A woman of flesh and bone -Not chiseled from stone" ... An important point in this world, Lin :) - (sorry for the late reply to the s-mail) - hugs Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 5/27/2025 7:08:00 AM Your replies are never too late, Anne-Lise. Thank you for your thoughts on my verses. You find yourself within them.