Women hold up half the sky, so it's said.
At least, I say, or more if we're honest,
what with the child rearing, cooking and nest
building, cleaning, before/after work bled
energy spent in fam'ly service, led
by expectations internalized best
as girls grow to women who know- do, lest
men are overburdened. Better we're dead
than that. But how is this still true today?
Few women leaders in power, in charge?
As if half of us all can be ignored.
Men talk to men, decide with men and may
consult women or not despite our large
body of amassed wisdom. And us? Floored.
This is in response to Samuel Peralta over at dVerse Poets Pub who taught us about John Milton's Sonnets and encouraged us to write one on a topic other than the more typical love focus. I kept the overall structure and ryhme pattern but not the iambic pentamter line rhythm. With all due respect to my equality- loving Honey and other marvelous men in my life, this poem was triggered by the latest papal conclave and the startling reality of women's exclusion.
JOURNEY INTO ELDERHOOD: It's a journey with many stops along the way and enriched by the people I meet. So, stop in and visit. You're welcome...
Oh yes, unfortunately we are all ruled by a few alpha males... the rest, men and women is just the base that build up what these guys want. I love your piece
ReplyDeleteThanks, it's not just a women's problem, is it?
Deletesmiles..i think we have to learn to hold that sky up together, encouraging and supporting each other. i work in a measurement company and it really is a men's world, yet i've been offered a team co-leader position which i didn't wanted to take first (long story) though i did and it's going really well.. the main leader supports me greatly, so yeah.. i think we need to learn to drive that "car" together, each bringing in their strengths and knowledge, no matter if man or woman
ReplyDeleteYes, together. I'm glad for you and your company that you took the position and that it's going well. There are examples of companies that recognize competence, promote to leadership and encourage cooperation regardless of gender. May they prosper. The Catholic Church isn't one of them despite its 1.2 billion members, half of whom are women. Unfortunately, they are not the only example. There's lots of work to do to change things for our daughters and granddaughters. Together. For all you do, Claudia- brava.
DeleteAmen. I dare say that the sky would shatter without us although golf would continue under a shattered sky :)
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh!
DeleteStrong, impassioned, and so true. You so eloquently put the logic together with the emotion for this argument. If only we were further along in this world... one can only dream that it happens sooner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Samuel. "I have a dream" starts it all. I appreciated your article about John Milton and his sonnet variation. I'd like to try it on a less volatile subject.
DeleteThe worst bosses I have had have been women, sad to say. I like your poem though.
ReplyDeleteThat's not been my experience, but it's not so much that every woman in power would be perfect but that women have a unique perspective, ideas and solutions to bring to the table and it's important that they be there.
Deleteinteresting yet appropriate choice of topic in the sonnet...it is a shame that more women do not hold places of power...there are some doors we are not breaking through...i will say the best bosses i ever had were women....
ReplyDeleteSome of my best as well. Surely we can place no limits on our daughters and granddaughters as they try to bring their gifts to whatever field they may be drawn to.
Delete..at least Congress is more full of women representatives..(few senators)..but as you say, it's a drop in the bucket..good write about a long battle ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's one example, but an important one as legislators wrestle with the problems of our country which affect the world and our future.
DeleteBeautifully crafted - love the theme
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteThe world is changing, and we can only hope that the shift will continue to have women in charge. I hope I live long enough to see one elected President of the United States. Well done, Mary. I really enjoyed your sonnet. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, DJan. You and I both.
DeleteI love this. Really well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, MZ.
Delete