What is it like to be woman?

We hold power.
But we also hold fear.

Power of distraction.  
Fear of rejection.

A man may never understand
That on the way to a predominantly male scene,
We plan our argument.
In case we are disregarded because our *******.
In case they look at our little brother to answer questions
About our own cars.

A man will never understand what it is like.
To be told to wait til you’re married.
“Your husband might want kids.”

A man will never understand what it is like.
The fear ripping through our veins as we walk alone.
Especially at night, our keys between our fingers ready to strike.  
He will never understand what it is like.

To be a woman.
To be female.

And a woman will never understand what is it like.
To be a man.
To be male.

I love music
he did too
he played lead guitar
in a band
it was his everything
he never wanted
hear me sing

I love training for a sport
he did too
he was a pole-vaulting
on a scholarship  
together we learned how to get fit
but he'll tell ya
everything I am
he created it

I love fashion
he does too
he has a style
I admire
and from this
I am inspired to bring out my inner style

I'll be the first
to admit it
from the outside
it seems inorganic

like I don't know me
so I try all these new things
but you see
I know what I like
and I know I need more
I too have a need to go out
to explore
and to find new passions
and to grow
and to fall
in love with you
but you must realize
I am woman
I like what I like
and
I am strong too

~~~~~~~

starts with a single drop and perfect silence
this menstrual cycle that comes with collateral violence

they will laugh and joke about your chastity
then put a bounty on your virginity

make a story out of your name
then set the hounds on your trails

blood will keep on running, until you can't keep on running
until you become the very demon they've been wanting

frightened by your femininity, yet aroused by its delicacy
they'll put a cross to your face, only to laugh at your disgrace

you can't lead, can never be like Christ
yet you will imitate his suffering day and night

they'll question your faith, try to burn you at the stake
when the irony is

the
more
one
bleeds
the
more
one
prays

~~~~~~~

She came from a small suburban town,
Her conservative parents shaped her background.
Her dreams were withered down to a trickle,
She had to be married off as per the societal shackles.

One fine day when her age was “right”,
Her parents shipped her off with man they considered a knight.
It was the beginning of a lifelong nightmare,
Every night a pair of patriarchal cuffs she was made to wear.

And thus with each passing night,
She was subjected to his vicious smite.
Her cries for help were paused
As marital **** was never stated in laws.

I welcome you behind these closed doors.
I have no other skeletons buried in my wardrobe.

cheeks
above her feet
and lil tummies
cheeks
above her teeth
tiny necks
and chubby arms
in final form
a female physique
all cheeks

He knew the signs
From studying her fault line
And was quick to act
In her best interest