Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE AFFINITY, by ANNA WICKHAM Poet's Biography First Line: I have to thank god I'm a woman Last Line: Is free to be very hungry, very lonely. Alternate Author Name(s): Hepburn, Patrick, Mrs. Subject(s): Marriage; Sexism; Women's Rights; Writing & Writers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Feminism | ||||||||
I have to thank God I'm a woman, For in these ordered days a woman only Is free to be very hungry, very lonely. It is sad for Feminism, but still clear That man, more often than a woman, is pioneer. If I would confide a new thought, First to a man must it be brought. Now, for our sins, it is my bitter fate That such a man wills soon be my mate, And so of friendship is quick end: When I have gained a love I lose a friend. It is well within the order of things That man should listen when his mate sings; But the true male never yet walked Who liked to listen when his mate talked. I would be married to a full man, As would all women since the world began; But from a wealth of living I have proved I must be silent, if I would be loved. Now of my silence I have much wealth, I have to do my thinking all by stealth. My thoughts may never see the day; My mind is like a catacomb where early Christians pray. And of my silence I have much pain, But of these pangs I have great gain; For I must take to drugs or drink, Or I must write the things I think. If my sex would let me speak, I would be very lazy and most weak; I should speak only, and the things I spoke Would fill the air awhile, and clear like smoke. The things I think now I write down, And some day I will show them to the Town. When I am sad I make thought clear; I can re-read it all next year. I have to thank God I'm a woman, For in these ordered days a woman only Is free to be very hungry, very lonely. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD HEMATITE HEIRLOOM LIVES ON (MAYBE DECEMBER 1980) by ALICE NOTLEY ON THE BEACH by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA FEMINIST POEM NUMBER ONE by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER HYPOCRITE SWIFT by LOUISE BOGAN FOR A GODCHILD, REGINA, ON THE OCCASION OF HER FIRST LOVE by TOI DERRICOTTE HESTER'S SONG by TOI DERRICOTTE |
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