I Have Never Been a Well-Behaved Woman

I have never been a well-behaved woman.
I am an untamable storm,
A paradox,
A loud noise—soothing melody,
A caged bird with broken wings,
Daring to break free.

I have never been a well-behaved woman,
Never learned to be.
Why would I want to be?
The steady ground where I walk shakes at the touch of my feet.

I heard once well-behaved women seldom make history.
Unconventional Goddesses,
The ones who fought the hardest
For me to run free.
I am who they envisioned for me.

I have never been a well-behaved woman.
I could never be,
Even if I tried.
I know
Because I have,
And failed each time.
To be a well-behaved woman,
That is not for me.

I am not a well-behaved woman,
Defined by another’s last name,
Enamored with a shining diamond.
My blood boils beneath my skin.
An electric soul
Is who I am meant to be.

Born to be more than a smile.
A heart beating this loud,
A voice raising this proud,
As I tremble and shake,
Even if I break,
I will stand on my feet,
Do it all over again,
A phoenix rising from ashes.
I will never be a well-behaved woman,
That is not me.

I have never been a well-behaved woman,
As many who dance with me.
We owe it to our daughters.
To never be well-behaved women,
Leave a mark on history.

I have never been a well-behaved woman,
Nor will I ever be.
Why would I want to be
A well-behaved woman?