Phrases

by Pat Darnell

We men write poems
as if we are going
to be pinched
or scorned

You women write
like bored cats
pondering a mouse only
a foot away, easy prey

We men are felled, drained,
ears always trained
in urgent need to find
an end from the start

You women carry water
in pails on your heads
none splashing out
and no dust at your feet

We men say thunder
and bloody tempest
and "Gung Ho"

you women say dunner
and did you see
today's sunset "Oh!"

We men say heart
You say soul
And we say "Hell"
and "What is that about!"

We men hear a scream
and run to heed

You women bear a child
and turn to one another

We men are dodgy dads
and trust no others --
You, women,
...are mothers