I am my Father's Daughter by Milagros Marquez

Gold Prize of the 2023 Gavilan College Annual Poetry Contest

Sit Do Not talk when the adults speak. Listen to your uncles, they know best about your future. Do Not Raise your voice if you are angry when they disrespect your sisters and you. Do Not wear that shirt, it's too revealing to walk down the streets to your abuelita's (grandma's house) Serve your dad mija (my daughter) because he had a long day at work. Do not argue with your father he is always right, just nod and say yes papá. Growing up as the youngest, I am good at being obedient and quiet. ¡YA NO! (not anymore) Ya me cansé de ser una "Buena Hija"! (I am tired of being a good daughter) I am tired of being told NO Because that is not ladylike Or told why can't you be good enough like your sisters?! I do not want to end up like my mom, a housewife whose wings were cut when the ring slid on her finger and said I do. Yo voy ha crear mi propia historia, sin que alguien me diga "eso es para hombres" o "debes de ser más como alguien!" (I am going to create my own story without someone telling me only men can do that or I should act like someone else) Yo soy la hija de mi padre, pero no seré como él me diga que debo de ser (I am my father's daughter, but I will not become the person he wants me to be) Con heridas mias sangrando Y gritare NO

¡NO! (I will pick myself up from the ground with my wounds open and scream NO)

I will clean my wounds and leave the house my father raised me in.

I will let my wounds heal even though they hurt when they are no longer visible

I will become my own person

I will raise my voice to defend those I love

I will be messy and unladylike

I will be whoever I want

Yo no soy la hija de mi papá (I am not my father’s daughter)