By Elizabeth Harper

I don't care if you hate me. 
I'm not one of those women
who needs constant approval,
to be a people pleaser.  
I'm postmenopausal, and
I say whatever the fuck I want to say,
whatever I think needs to be said.  
I'm not here to cater to your ego.
I'm not your mother substitute.
Don't assume I'm obligated
to take care of your feelings.
I was angry in the womb,
trying to kick my way out,
only to have to keep a lid on it
so as not to scare
the kindergarten teachers.
No more holding back.
I don't have that much time left,
and I'm not going to spend it
biting my tongue.