A poem about feminism.
Victor Romano
I remember once expressing to another women an urge to be able
to express myself with music. I never had the opportunity to
write anything with words or on any other instrument than the
piano. Anyway, at that moment, there was something I was just
aching to be able to express. She asked me what, but it was
very difficult to give a clear answer. My response was
that I would somehow write about feminism. She asked
what I had to say about it, but I couldn't really describe it.
I think it would have been best to see the actual work.
Since I have no access to instruments, I wrote a poem, instead.
If I had had the chance to write it back then, it probably would
have come out much different. It still would have focused more on
the feminist issues, which I was dealing with at the moment,
but would not have focused on the relationship in quite the
same sense. It's hard to tell whether the talk about
the breakup detracts from its purpose, or whether it just
makes the argument stronger. It may make it easier for
others to understand (since EVERYBODY deals with breakups,
right?). The version posted is actually two stanzas
short of the original. I thought those stanzas detracted
from the meaning.
I am still interested in putting, or having this put, to music.
If anyone else is interested, just let me know. If you are local,
I would like to help out. If no one asks, I guess I am just on
my own. In particular, if any member of the Pink Floyd wants
to use it, they have my permission.
Also, if anyone comes up with a good suggestion for a title,
I would appreciate it. The one I came up with won out over
others that were at least as lousy.
I also posted this to net.women, because I think it has alot
to do with that newsgroup. I do not wish to imply that all
feminists are of the nature described here.
Victor Romano
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Look at me now. What do you see?
This rage and this fury is burning in me.
I'll tell you the reason of why so I feel
Perhaps you won't listen. You'll dig in your heals
Without a care
and your head in the air
and with all of your might
you'll speak of "your rights"
When we first met, each other admired -
deepest respect, but high expectations
They were attempted, but soon I retired
I could not live up to your indoctrination
You told me of past men who you hate -
your disrespect for them put fear into me
My suspicions were there, though I acted too late
I was correct, and that really threw me
So I accepted your dogma. I knew where it came
those men are all evil but I'm not the same
Men are all rapists, men are all creeps
they leave all the women who want them for keeps
So I did all I can but still I'm traditional
not like those men although I'm not liberal
As I stood high upon your pedestal
why did I try? I was a fool.
And you treated my friend with little respect
I should have figured that I would come next.
This I remember, out camping we were
she burned her finger, I tried to help her
But her response is one I disdain
She showed her emotions I find are insane
She said I was sexist and all of this hype
for man helping woman is stereotype
In all my humility
you will not confess
of all this hostility
which you possess
The ending began when you wanted to play
I asked "what about me?" You asked me to stay
Can I play too? No that is wrong
What is the reason? You argued this strong
'Cause you are part lesbian, and truly a feminist
so you explain, you need to be altruist
(and you were so bent on calling this "different")
But then you gave in
for I you'd have lost
So while it "can't" happen
it's not worth the cost
So you made false promises
then broke your word
"only men do this"
to say is absurd
And you left me for another man
He'll take you for granted, like others once again
When I discovered you gave in to his thirst
Still you are covered. "Just want to be 'his first'"
So you say it is altruism, and say that I'm selfish
and yet I take criticism for being "too generous"
He tormented me while to you he was savior
When we didn't agree he excused your behavior
As he continued to hit me below the belt
your kindness to him showed for me how you felt
He was not kind. Just in the way
while he pined and he pined, from the very first day
You don't know what it's like for someone to dig
but you fell for his game, and I think that is sick
Yet you criticize those other men
but don't realize you're just like them
(but still you're so bent on calling this different)
When it is clear that it's day, you say that it's night
so you can push me away and can pick a fight
And when we made love, I did all I can
as you put me up upon a witness stand
You gave me about all I could take
I don't understand this need to castrate
You called me "too possessive" as I raved and I ranted.
but I always did forgive, so you took me for granted.
You say you'd no wrong, but you are not seeing
You proved all along: to you, I've no meaning
Thought'ya had me pinpointed, but that's not my stance
You took me for granted - didn't give me half a chance
You lacked in trust with your stubborn opinion
You treated me like dust and kept me boxed in
You always treated me
like a "second best"
and now you just treat me
like I'm only a pest.
Despite all of this, without any reason
I still treated you like a good person
I am still mad to see what I get
I'm the best you ever had -
And ever will, I'll bet.
Now I don't have to put up with your being a prude
nor with your screwed-up and bad attitudes
So you wish to count me
as a bad experience
I quite agree
and further, good riddence
It is quite sad to see you out free
infiltrating your doctrine upon others besides me
All's said and done. I know where I stand.
You took your revenge upon the wrong man.
Now let me be. Leave me to roast.
I did not love you -
I loved a
ghost.