By slug
Date: 24 September 2000

feminist love

I want to be loved.
                   In the June Cleaver, 
                          Donna Reed, 
       fresh cookies when the kids get home from school kind of way.
I want you to love me.
                   Take care of me.
I want you to hold me when it's cold, 
          and protect me from the monsters on the big screen.
I want the doors to open -
                           because you're thinking of the small things. 
Don't buy me diamonds, 
   or move mountains, 
   or stop the rotation of the earth -- 
           just remember me during the day and let me know
           just kiss me on the cheek when you get home
                wake me up in the middle of the night to tell me you love me

because then, 
             when it really matters - 
you'll be there without a second thought.
when my world comes crashing down 
                     you'll be the one to tell me i don't have to be strong.

     because i am strong - 
i can lift the world and hold it on my shoulders. 
i can schedule your life and still get to the cleaners. 
i will bear your children and raise them to perfection, 
      while working my own life around them (and you. always around you.)
i will hold your hand when the days get rough - 
i will endure your mothers endless phone calls.
i am strong. 

but i don't always want to be-
                                      and that's where you come in.