Stripes

My stripes give me a name
they make me a part of a group
they determine who I am
and what I will become

My stripes are my recognition
they help my children
to identify me as mother
as protection and their nurturing parent

My stripes are dangerous
others see them as a threat
they stand as their warning
that I am powerful and ferocious

My stripes are wanted
and in a lot of cases taken
right off my back from me
Well, whats left of me

My stripes give me a price
they are sold to fashion industries
who claim them as fashion necessities
but I claim them as survival necessities

My stripes should be mine
mine and only mine
they belong on my back
and I deserve a chance to live