She

Women…beaten, burned, branded, spurned
Protected, rejected, selected, neglected
To the innumerable, a lover, a wife
A soul mate, companion…friend for life
Worked, abused, purchased, used
The mother of humankind…’t is “she” who gives birth
Delicate, delightful, stout, spiteful
Her hues are myriad…’t is no “Father Earth”
She’s the flower in meadow…braving chill, searing heat
“Mom” to fading soldier…last word he’ll repeat
Numbering more than one half of our race
The “pearl” known as girl…gentler half of man’s face
A soft glow of ardor…in pale moonlight
The cat with raised back…she’ll put up a fight
First lullaby to a child’s upbringing
Angels and mermaids…upon wind hear them singing
Intelligent, emotional…distinctly human
Complex, diverse…acknowledged by “true men”
“Behind every good man”…the old saying goes
Yet not all men are good…ask a woman…she knows
Her mind, her soul, her body…unique
And the man who commands…offers stinging critique
All women’s destiny…must be hers to decide
Her “sentence” commuted…served with courage and pride
The clarion call to speak with “one” voice
And path she so walks…forever her choice