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Prose Challenge of the Week #52: Pick a classic poem and re-write it, modernize it, and share your poetic interpretation of the piece. The winner will be chosen based on a number of criteria, this includes: fire, form, and creative edge. Number of reads, bookmarks, and shares will also be taken into consideration. The winner will receive $100 and will be placed first on our Spotlight page and the runner-up will receive 1000 coins. When sharing to social media, please use the hashtag #itslit

I, Woe (Langston Hughes, “I, Too”)

I, 

woe for the America that does not see me beyond my body.

Men call me their other half 

still they've been sending me

to the kitchen for what? since THERE WAS LIGHT, 

saying there's serious matters

to discuss and I'm not needed

these things are not for women ears.

I smirk. They don't 

know I've got a college degree

in one hand 

a strong handshake in the other. 

I don't have time for tomorrow 

for when they ask me

to go into kitchen.

I don't have time for dishes, 

I'll say.

What did you say?

They will ask.

I am growing powerful 

a woman

no less beautiful.

I, don't resign my song in America.

....

Following the tradition of Hughes, this poem imitates the "other-ness" African Americans have been made to feel with the similar disregard for female potential. Unlike Hughes' piece, the poem is more direct and defiant to match the times; America grows in working and outspoken women.

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