For 9 hours I listen to the women in 32 H apologize
she apologizes
even when someone is inconveniencing her
sorry
sorry
oh!
sorry
each part of me holds its head and screams
good lord — take up space
take up space
take up space
please
take up the fucking space
and stop throwing away your power
you have every right to take up space
just as much as him and her
don’t be nice
don’t be sweet
well, do
but cut out the apologizing
women have apologized for centuries for their existence and what we need now is for you to stand.

Janne Robinson is a poet and author of
This Is For The Women Who Don’t Give A Fuck.
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