The Revolt of Mother

(“Every true woman feels——”—Speech of almost any Congressman.)

I am old-fashioned, and I think it right

   That man should know, by Nature’s laws eternal,

The proper way to rule, to earn, to fight,

   And exercise those functions called paternal;

But even I a little bit rebel

At finding that he knows my job as well.

At least he’s always ready to expound it,

   Especially in legislative hall,

The joys, the cares, the halos that surround it,

   “How women feel”—he knows that best of all.

In fact his thesis is that no one can

Know what is womanly except a man.

I am old-fashioned, and I am content

   When he explains the world of art and science

And government—to him divinely sent—

   I drink it in with ladylike compliance.

But cannot listen—no, I’m only human—

While he instructs me how to be a woman.