Does a Woman need a Man? updated w/ Does one Need a Man?

We were taught growing up

a woman does not need a man

to want one maybe but need….

needing a man was a sign of weakness 

a life riddled of dependency and control.

We were taught from a young age

watching our mothers and aunts

with the right tools women can do it all

they can fix the broken toilet, provide for

the family and kiss the children goodnight.

As adults, we learned from the loyalty

of Eagles and the closeness of Wolves

it is natural for us to need a companion

not someone to take care of us or fill a

fantasy but to love us and touch us…

Cinderella was not our favorite story.

I did two versions to this piece. Since, I posted the first I have come to wonder why I posted it other than letting pressure get to me. I like the second much better which I wrote first.

Does one Need a Man?          

I remember thinking it is weak to need a man.

To want one yes but need…

Oh it horrified me, numbed me with images of

housewives and brainless, obedient women

ridiculed with dependency and control.

An existence of imprisonment

a nightmare to us, the daughters

of strong independent women

we grew up being taught

a women does not need a man

with the right tools women can do it all!

they can fix the broken toilet, provide for

the family, and raise the children

there is need to settle.

Then I learned of human need

from the loyalty of Eagles

and the companionship of wolves

need was not necessarily bad

it mattered why you needed

I realized I needed a companion,

best friend, a lover. Not to take care

of me but to love me and touch me…

you can probably imagine

Cinderella was not my favorite story.

5/11