There's a football field between us. <br />I'm in one of the end zones bellowing <br />and you're in the other one bawling, <br />the cliffs of your cheekbones <br />streaked with mascara. <br /> <br />Betty Friedan is screaming. <br />She says the problem is my fault. <br />Bella Abzug is cackling <br />that she agrees. <br />Gloria Steinem <br />is at the microphone, <br />ready to sentence me <br />to decades of marriage <br />with children by the score <br />though she didn't marry till 60. <br /> <br />These ladies must be right. <br />I'm just a man so I give up. <br />I accept all the blame. <br />Mountains have risen <br />in the middle of the field. <br />I can no longer see you. <br />And if I can't see you <br />there's no reason for us <br />to get together again. <br />I have to be able to see you. <br />It's always been your hind <br />and never your mind <br />that I favored. <br /> <br />We were having a wonderful time <br />and all of a sudden you got serious <br />like all the others. <br />They wanted to get married, too. <br />Listen up. <br />I'm going to announce <br />the best solution. <br />I want to be generous. <br />I hope you can hear me: <br />'You keep the ring. <br />I'll punt and go home.'<br /><br />Donal Mahoney<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/chauvinist-s-manifesto/
