The Women's Burden

Take up the Woman’s burden—

Go raise all ye breed—

Remain domestic, in exile,

And serve your husband’s need

Grease your pie pan. Wait in white apron,

On hungry father and kin—

While your superior, privileged peoples,

Remain as unrestricted as their foreskin

Take up the Woman’s burden,

Be ready to stay static

Swallow your interjections!

Or, be labeled dramatic.

By open speech and simple,

A hundred times made plain,

You shout out convictions,

Yet today don’t see much gain

Take up the Woman’s burden—

And reap your sole reward:

The lust of he ye better

The toleration of kin ye guard—

The cry of hosts ye humour

(Ah, slowly) to the light:

"Why speak ye of bondage?”

"Ye has the voting right!”

Take up the Woman’s burden-

Be done with thoughtful days-

Accept the tattered laurel,

The loaded, belittling “praise”.

Come now, embrace your womanhood

Prepare for all stagnant, unappreciated years,

And if you advocate equality,

Find the judgment of your peers!