i knew exactly what he meant
for i know about body and blood
as well as flowers and yeast and sewing
he used words i could understand about giving life
and during those moments
i felt the world revolved around me instead of only men

but now
there are dishes to wash, a floor to sweep
and food to put away
yes, i know about body and blood; about giving life
and i will remember

This article appears in April 11 2011.