Have you ever been told you’re ‘too much’—too strong, too bold, too assertive—only to hear you’re also ‘not enough’? This impossible balancing act is known as the double bind dilemma, which many women in leadership face daily. This poem speaks to that challenge and, more importantly, resilience’s power in navigating it.
She walks the line, both firm and kind,
Yet finds herself in a double bind.
Too strong, they say—too bold, too loud,
Too soft, they claim—too meek, too proud.
If she leads with power, they step away,
Whispering, “She’s too much,” in quiet dismay.
If she leads with care, they cast their doubt,
“She’s not strong enough,” they murmur about.
She must dance with grace, yet stand her ground,
Her voice controlled, her edges round.
Not too harsh, yet not too sweet,
A balancing act on unsteady feet.
But still, she rises, charts her course,
Refusing to shrink, embracing her force.
For strength and kindness are not at war—
They are the power she’s always worn.
