female autonomy poetry

from the antique

“I wish and I wish I were a man” – Expresses hopelessness. Even male freedom is unreachable; death becomes the only real escape.

No, Thank You, John’

“I never said I loved you, John” – A rare moment of assertiveness, but still framed within a constrained social space — she defends herself rather than initiates freedom.

‘Maude Clare’

“Here’s my half of the golden chain” – Maude asserts herself, but within the bounds of emotional pain. There's no alternative offered — just disruption.

‘Twice’

“Yet a woman’s words are weak; You should speak, not I” – The speaker internalises her powerlessness. She gains agency only through religion, not action.