My daughter told me women step aside.
Confronted by opposing walkers, men
don’t detour or deflect, like it’s implied
they’re Masters of the Sidewalk. I said, “When
and where’s this happening? Just who contends
behavior never known of me and you?”
She said the claim’s been made by Facebook friends.
I countered that in my world, it’s not true.

Reporting this to son & wife, last week,
they said I’m incorrect – perhaps I fail
to notice my submission (like I’m meek
and unobservant, too?) This is no male
& female test: if you just walk with verve
and confidence, you’ll never have to swerve.