Sometimes, I wish I were a man,
On a man, suffering doesn’t lay its claim.
He doesn’t live half his life,
With blood, mood swings, and pain.
And I know if I were a man,
I would be permitted to express desire,
I wouldn’t have to pretend,
That I never want with burning fire.
And I love being a woman,
The colours, the expression, the community.
I love being a woman,
But I miss the freedom and the safety.
I imagine if I were a man,
I would sometimes walk alone at night,
Still knowing what “safe” means,
I would not have to be in flight or fight.
Perhaps if I were a man,
No one would tell me what to wear,
No one would tell me to cover up,
No one would bat an eye at my body hair.
I wish I were a man because then,
My anger would be allowed,
I wouldn’t be told to keep my head down,
My voice wouldn’t appear too loud.
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Author:
Ladywithaquill (
Offline) - Published: July 28th, 2025 16:53
- Comment from author about the poem: I still love being a woman.
- Category: Sociopolitical
- Views: 11
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy, Poetic Licence
Offline)
Comments3
Interesting list of behavioural constraints imposed upon some women via societal pressure.
Other women choose not to be constrained by them.
But I'm a man, so what would I know?
Only fully aware of the societal pressures placed on me as a male.
Never the less, a satisfying piece of verse.
Some women have the privilege to choose not to be constrained by them, others are trained as girls, and some societal pressures are invisible. The same goes for societal pressures on men.
Got that about right in my 'umble opinion....... did actually enjoy the verse.
Yep. Not how I'd spell it out, but while I would never trade being myself and a girl, I've long thought the men have it better. As I've six loving younger brothers, they've tried to put some sense into me when I've said this, so...there you have it.
Beautifully rendered with a haunting poignancy and excellent imagery. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, I think both men and women have it tough due to the patriarchal system, but at least where I come from it’s way harder for women.
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Here the poet points out the advantages of being male. Nicely stated.
Agreed, thank you.
Most welcome
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