Outside the brisk wind kept these three men within,
Where they sat synchronized for the mourners and kin.
In denim and leather; tucked shirts and rough skin.
A veteran had fallen, an artist and friend,
And as sad as they were, they could only pretend
That it wasn't a social fiesta to them.
The one on the left had a push to his chest,
And though not so unique, thought his story the best.
Talking boastfully so, he explained to the rest.
"I was only 13 once I'd already seen
The Great lakes, the sharp peaks, all the foliage green,
My experiences have produced a man keen.
I have fought with the greatest, of man and of beast.
I have handled the mouth of a bear and pulled teeth.
All these things I have done are beyond your beliefs."
Said the man in the middle "Now surely you're blind.
I've done more in one day than you've done in your life.
Now just listen to me and I'll set you both right.
I've been studying hard since I'd learned how to read,
And in all of my work have pulled wonderful deeds.
I've a family of scholars; a household so free.
My wife, prepossessing beyond what you know,
She has faithfully followed at my side at each blow.
I have wisdom, and therefore you two sit below."
Now the third sat and smiled, he was beaten, of course.
For his hand knew no ring, and his word had no force.
Yet he opened his mouth, all but lacking remorse.
"Why, how is it that here at this hall of despair,
Of the things first you speak, well I just couldn't care.
Not that these aren't great stories, yet judgment beware!
Now your bears and your fights, they admire them well.
You have all of your peers entranced under your spell.
There are parts of your story you just wouldn't tell.
You have toughened your fist and have sharpened your knives,
On these men and these beasts, yet on also your wife!
When you're angry or bored you are wicked in spite!
She has cried many nights with her bruises and cuts,
You don't utter a word, for your courage and guts
Only count against women and children and mutts!
You abuser! You user! you use her for practice!
You push her head down like a slave to your mattress!
You're a loser! Your lady no lover, but an actress!
And you? You're a scholar, so worldly! So clever.
You're wife couldn't part from your side! You don't let her!
She submits to your will lest you "find someone better."
You were great as a father and a husband, but shortly.
Till such "griefs existential" left you drowning in 40's.
Though she claims that she loves you, she truly abhors thee!
You controller! You liar! You truly inspired
Her to think that you'd stay like you were. You conspired
To manipulate hearts and become your clan's sire.
But who am I? Yes, who am I to bear witness
To these crimes and iniquities; none of my business.
Your rewards and achievements are songs of the crickets.
So here I will leave you; such heros, such wise men!
I hope that you take my harsh words and apply them.
What is being a man if it makes you a tyrant?
YOU ARE READING
The Wall Which Cannot Break
PoetryThis is a collection of poetry that I submitted to Button Poetry's 2018 Chapbook Contest. It focuses on gender inequality, the oppression of females, and the struggle for women to break the wall built between them and men to keep them below.
