it would humor me

to believe it is

a woman’s job

to expect not to be heard

the first time.

society already tells us

we are small and weak

without childbearing,

without housekeeping,

without tending to others

instead of ourselves.

we are nothing

without acknowledging our existence

as less than human,

a mere servant.

so,

i will not repeat myself

for a man

who can accumulate respect

just as fast as he finishes,

while i am always fighting

to be heard.

a.e.w.