I have never been able to 

Keep my mouth shut. 

At least, according to my family. 

They have told me that since birth, 

I have always had an opinion. 

I felt the need to let everyone know my thoughts. 

My uncle called me “Little Ms. Can’t be Wrong”. 

I would never accept the phrase, 

“Cause I said so”. 

This apparently made the adults in my family 

Frustrated. 

But, how could I be silent? 

I was watching the matriarchs of our family closely. 

Watching my warrior women with my eyes fully open, 

Hear their voices, seeing their strength, observing their service. 

Now, I have a daughter that has never been able to 

Keep her mouth shut. 

She does not accept, 

“Cause I said so”. 

She shoots back with, 

“Speak your truth girl!” 

And, I the supposed adult smile, 

But often find myself frustrated.