If I thought you would've listened
I would've told you
taught you
how to be and act like a man

how to apologize -
no explanations necessary
sincerely, from the heart

how to be courteous -
the opening of doors
the carrying of packages
the pulling out and pushing in
of a chair

how to not be afraid -
of hard work
even of dirty work
to stare it down
and get it done

how to make someone's day -
with sweet surprises
the little acts of thoughtfulness
gentle, simple, sweet affection

how to take consent for granted -
to make plans ahead
be excited enough about them
to ensure the other's enjoyment

how to talk -
without a superinflated ego
or braggadocio, or about your cock
simply, sincerely, from the heart

And yet, when I think
how much it would've cost
me, to impart those lessons
I realize -

I am not your Mother.

I feel guilty for being relieved
but it's not my problem.

The irony is that as a woman,
I know more about being a man
than you do.

01/23/2009

Posted on 01/23/2009
Copyright © 2025 Gira Bryant