there is industry more than art
stamped into my veins
and ardor more than ladylike malaise
that forgives the feminine spark
her lonesome flame--
because my intensity rarely agrees
with gender identity
my rough hands manage to shake free
my world of all pretense
and falsehood of natural propensity.
Hi there Rachel,
I balance the Yin/Yang in my own way: I can't drive, and if I so much as looked at a car engine it would probably blow up is disgust!
Suki
elPintor
Sun 1st Apr 2018 23:46
Almost two decades ago, after ending a bad relationship with the father of my only son, I moved back home with my own father. As a teenager, I never took much interest in the work my father did, but when I went home again, I needed to feel close to him. I always admired how he seemed to be able to do just about anything. And, I had grown up with two brothers and saw how my Dad raised them to be resourceful and independent and wanted to learn from him the way they had.
He's always been willing to do whatever he could for me. But, I wanted to show him that I was willing to learn from him and do the things that I was able on my own. There came a time when my vehicle needed a new head gasket and I asked him to let me do the work under his supervision. He guided me through everything, patiently. It took me two weeks and I said words I never knew existed (who knew a mechanic went through so much pain?) but I felt the most pleasurable sense of accomplishment when it was finished. That experience helped to instill a sense of independence that has been a part of me ever since.
Thanks for reading and your lovely comments.
Rachel
PS
Hi Hazel. You're right about people drawing imaginary lines of sorts. And, I've found that, sadly, women are about as likely to do it to other women as men are to do it to them. Within just the past couple of years, I went to my local auto parts store to get supplies to change my oil and was checked out by a female clerk who was wearing gloves. I told her that I forgot that I had no gloves which prompted her to ask if I was doing the work myself. When I told her that I was, she replied that she was "no grease monkey" and didn't even know how to change a tire--all implying that she was too good for any of it. I thought to myself why they would ever hire such a know-nothing to work in an auto parts store. Thankfully, I haven't encountered her since.
<Deleted User> (13762)
Sun 1st Apr 2018 08:45
excellent poem elP.
We humans like to put everything in a box and label it. One of the most unnatural definings, I think, is gender. You have opened this box with such love and intelligence, gently referencing without stating or claiming. I'm charmed.
If you wish to post a comment you must login.
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
elPintor
Wed 4th Apr 2018 00:15
Ah Suki--how much would I write just to get a response like that?! Thanks for the laugh---"I am what I am and that's all that I am..."
Rachel x