SOFTLY


I stormed into my father's house 

In the fresh fire of my idealistic youth 

Fist raised in outrage 

Words full of rebellion 

Late from the fray 

Free Womankind! 





Mother turned from her housework 

Smiling gently as she scrubbed 

Back bent in resignation 

So few words left now 

Echoes from her past 

Free Womankind!



Mother lay down her worktools 

Pouring us coffee balm 

We sat at the table 

My words hot, hers long cooled 

Exuberance intertwined experience, anger faced acceptance 

Free Womankind! 



She took my hand in hers 

Eyes locking eyes in love and knowing 

I stiff backed, she leaning easily forward 

"Women have always been ablest", she said 

"ruling softly through their men 

Free Mankind!"