There is much I take for granted.
There is much I forget is not shared.
My body is what assures me that I don’t have to be scared.
My gender has been a cause of privilege that should not hurt the other as it does,
Yet the other side suffers due to this minor difference between us just because.
My body is a beautiful thing.
I can build it up with exercise or I can let it go with laziness.
I build up strength easily and get to use it when wish.
I can show off my body without much complaint.
If I’m hot and sweating, my shirt comes off
I can wear what I want when I want with little reprimand.
I can earn a seat of power at work or in the government, where my voice is heard
I never have to work too hard to get what I want wherever I go.
I get paid more for being who I am.
I can go where I please for the most part without fearing harm.
I am seen as strong, powerful, courageous.
I am prideful, dependable, confident, and assertive.
Society, patriarchal to the root, supports me for being born the way I was
Even though I had no say.
I am a gentleman who treats a woman right.
I am pleased by who I am, as I should be.
Yet, there is much I take for granted.
There is much I forget is not shared.
My body is what assures me that I don’t have to be scared.
My gender has been a cause of privilege that should not hurt the other as it does,
Yet the other side suffers due to this minor difference between us just because.
I’ve seen the beauty of women
Made soft, gentle, and appealing.
They express how they feel more often than I do for fear of ridicule.
They are wonderful, powerful, and courageous though they hide these things away.
They don’t feel listened to in the same way.
They wear a mask to hide their fear when I come near.
They try not to offend so I won’t hurt them.
They have to be cautious around me even though I would never hurt them.
The worse I get from approaching is a wounded pride,
I know women fear worse when they hide.
Sisters, mothers, nieces, and cousins I have seen each the same
It is not the women who are to blame.
They are paid less than I am and preyed upon all the time.
They are pushed back further from the finish line we deem as success.
Even though we’re changing things women still have the right to be scared.
It’s safer for them to always be prepared.
So, there is much I take for granted.
There is much I forget is not shared.
My body is what assures me that I don’t have to be scared.
My gender has been a cause of privilege that should not hurt the other as it does,
Yet the other side suffers due to this minor difference between us just because.