By Linda Goodman
Date: 13 August 2000

Born Free

now, when I recall that haunted December, I blush with shame
even today, I still wonder what you thought of my fevered commentary
that night- or if you knew the name of the game was: Fear
as I tried desperately to hide my gradual knowing-growing that a mystery
I preferred not to solve was here...and much too near

      I chattered on about unrelated subjects in a pixilated way
      and had my say...on everything from cabbages to Kings
      I even made it clear how I felt about chauvinistic mates
      who trap a spouse in the house, like a mouse
      oh! I must have sounded like a revved-up Lucy
                          spinning her wheels, with Charlie Brown
      as I told you, with emphasis......

"my own personal view, if it's of any interest to you
concerning the battle of the sexes
is that I have no intention of allowing this Women's Lib intervention
to seduce me into relinquishing my female privileges and prerogatives
just to prove to the world that I'm equal to men
when I already know I'm superior"

     in my attempt not to appear foolish and inferior
     what consummate ignorance I was projecting
     then I thought- he really must like me!
     because you didn't even symbolically strike me
                 with your mighty Lion's paw
     when I tested you so aggressively with my rudeness

     instead, as we reached the lobby door of my hotel
     you just gave me another wise, gentle smile
                                          and said

                     "please don't go in yet- let's talk awhile
                      it's not too late"

              so we did

and those watch dogs at the gate of my heart
who had guarded me so long and faithfully

against being hurt again- against the need to weep

relaxed....
        grew drowsy

and finally fell asleep