I'm 63, and sometimes I review what I wrote in the tumultuous 60's while struggling with the changing political and social scene as a woman, Pacifist and African American. In the 70's as a young  romantic, I wrote lyrics for singers and musicians.   Now I'm post-menopausal and  feel as if I'm being  held hostage  while visiting popular culture on the radio by violent and misogynist lyrics,  overly saturated and popularized on Urban listening stations.  Following is something I wrote many years ago. I am curious if  my old lyrics can still hold up in this far less innocent era and would love your input.  After all, looking back is a wonderful way to measure how far we've gone individually and/or collectively or if we've moved at all.

I'm Person

I'm person, my name is woman

and in case we've never met before

I'm dynamic, challenging and strong;

I have an ego and I can define myself

and I know where I best belong

I'm creative, questioning, I have visions too

I can be what there is to be;

I have people limits and weaknesses

and it's self-determination

that makes me free.

I've an innovative mind, and body and a soul

and it's a complete life I'm looking forward to live

I demand respect as a human being

then this world reaps the best I can give.

My name is woman, and I have many roles

I need love, I seek the answers to why?

I search for truth, I feel joy and pain

and in time I grow old and die;

Yes, I'm person and in case we've never met before

the pleasure is mine you see...

come celebrate the creation of my rebirth

and cherish this new image of me!

...