At an ordinary
Business meeting,
She finds herself in
An impromptu exchange
About an issue that
Deeply affects women,
Casually but passionately
Argued by a colleague
Who has made her views
Known on more than one
Previous occasion.
After listening for some time,
She shares that
She’s no feminist but
That she thinks women
Should be able to
Make decisions for themselves,
Unintentionally advocating for and
Limiting her own power,
An unconscious interplay between
Patriarchal, hierarchical
Upbringing – programming
On one shoulder,
Self-determination
On the other.
The struggles of those
Who came before her disregarded,
Inadvertent setback,
The conversation shifts.
