He never saw her / A hidden figure
though there she was / in plain sight
his property, to do his bidding / a body, with a brain though
she smiled meekly, got his coffee before he asked / she could outthink him any day
he glared when she dared to speak or dream / she wanted to learn all she could
he told her to sit down and be quiet / so she persisted
he put his hands up her skirt and laughed / and she tried to resist
he beat her / she fought back when she could
he told her he was in charge / she tried to change the system
men were always at the top / she educated her daughters and her sons
the world depended on it / they had to be bold for change
A cleave poem for International Women’s Day 2017. The theme for 2017 is “be bold for change.” A cleave poem is three poems in one–left side, right side, and the full lines.
Today’s Google Doodle was a slide show featuring women of diverse backgrounds.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Great poem, Merril and a powerful message.
Thanks so much, Jane. I had to get it out, now I can get back to work. 😉
It made me realise I hadn’t written anything to mark today. It hasn’t come out quite as I intended.
I saw this comment before I saw your post. I thought you meant life in general, but perhaps that, too. 😉
I suppose it is life in general for half the planet 🙂
Perfect way with a hard form and an important message. I have been reading a biography of Queen Victoria and thinking much about the history/present/future of women’s rights.
Thank you, Jennifer. I was thinking I hadn’t written a cleave in a while.
Have you seen the recent PBS series on Victoria? There were so many changes going on during her time.
I did watch the first episode, but was put off by the novel-y drama of it.
It was definitely geared toward the Downton Abbey crowd, but I still enjoyed it.
Extra like this poem.
Thank you, Claudia! 🙂
A very powerful message Merril…imagine, we did not get the vote til 1920 thanks to the suffragettes. We have to keep on moving up.
Yes, exactly, Holly. Thank you!
Well done. Yes, boldness is required. (K)
Thank, Kerfe. I think so, too.
A wonderful and timeless message. Well done!
Thank you very much, Frank!
The slash marks look like sticks I want to beat those abusive “hims” with. Seriously!
Such violence, Marian! 🙂 (I do, too.)
And here I thought these indecencies women suffered through in America were more or less a thing of the past! Your courageous poem addresses the ongoing battles women face. I love the idea of a mother educating her sons and daughters. Now, more than ever, fathers must get involved in the invaluable lessons taught to children, as well.
Thanks, Rose. Yes, you are right that fathers, too, should be involved, and many are. I know Malala’s father has always supported her.
Sad
Yes, indeed.
Well done, Merril. Very powerful, somewhat sad and yet hopeful.
Thank you, Robin. I think you’re right that it is both sad and hopeful.
A powerful poem Merril. The cleave works extremely smoothly. Of the three poems my favorite is the one on the right as an assertion of her survival and resistance.
Thank you, Janice. And thanks for your close reading. That is my favorite one, too. I saw a story yesterday about a group of “grandmothers” in a village in India. Some were in their 90s, and they were just going to school. Many couldn’t see that well, so learning to read was difficult, but they can all now write their names.
Literacy worldwide and education of women and girls are important concerns. You bring up a sad but beautiful example…I will never forget my excitement learning to read at a much younger age. Everyone should have that opportunity.
I agree, and I also remember learning to read and how exciting it was.
This cleave poem had excellent points and horrendous elements. Sadly, one of my daughters and one of my dearest friends have been inappropriately touched (first case) and my friend was raped.
I wasn’t able to make my rounds but my foot after the work accident is on the mend and a week later after two different car towing incidents, I bought a gently used car. Just going through these small bumps in the road make me acknowledge that others roads and journeys are so much more challenging. Thanks for letting me know about the Google slideshow. I will see if perhaps it is still available.
One of the two girls featured in my doors post two days ago is having her 6 the birthday party today. Thank goodness I don’t have to call, ask for ride or walk. There is some sun but rather briskly cold outdoors.
Sorry to hear about your foot, Robin. I’m glad it’s healing, and I’m happy for you that you got a new (gently used) car.
It got very cold here, too, and we had snow yesterday!
Happy Birthday to the 6-year-old birthday girl!