WO-MAN

by

NINA C. FULFORD

That word was never joined when,
at the starting of our race,
The two first came together
In the Garden, face to face.

What meaning in a word?
What mystery way back then
That locked us both in combat;
The race of us - and them?

Or, are the two part of one whole?
Divided at the time?
He, keeping the form intact,
She, adding that extra line?

Built from the same components:
Atom, blood, water and cell.
No line there to be drawn
So I, from you, could tell.

Why did he feel shame
When first he found
That he could match her tremble
At a babies wailing sound?

Why should she resent or fear,
That strength within his form,
That even at its weakest,
Can keep her safe from harm?

Are these fears pure madness
Of a world gone mad?
Or the destroying tool
A new religion had?

Divide and conquer will always win
When played by the enemies hand,
But we’re all there is of the human race,
So turn - and together stand.

At any time and in any place,
A wo and a man can restart the race,
But not if they’re looking face to face
Over weapons to be used in haste.