I never was submissive, but my aunts
and mom and girlfriends acted lady-like.
Without insisting that I wear the pants,
I power-grabbed and never tried to psych
myself into compliant frame of mind.
“Who says?” was like an axiom to me.
I grew up female but a different kind,
and now I seldom speak indignantly.

My fury coursed throughout a wayward youth,
and gentled in maturity to strength
without the shouting arrogance. In truth
I watched the other women wax at length,
who now derive their energy from ire
but thought it once attractive to retire.