Stand Inside Yourself

The sound of children playing
women talking
an ordinary day in every respect

Look closer

each of these women is formidable
a pillar of fire, standing erect
shoulder to shoulder
disdaining the pity
that is rightfully theirs to claim.

The sisterhood of the mighty
like a temple they are venerated
like a temple they are powerful
like a temple they are at the mercy of time, and the fortunes of war.

Can you see him, the odd man in this circle?
The one whose face is tight, body pulled in?
The one who married a fighter, sent her off with a kiss and a gun?
He is more deserving of sympathy, for nothing in our world offers context for his life now.
He cannot claim that sympathy without shame and so he stands alone
apart
in a world of women
women sure of their place
women sure of their power
sure of their mission
their strength
standing inside themselves
proud pillars supporting the world.