If I Were a Woman...

If I were a woman, my

Reproductive rights should be

MY business alone, not YOURS.

YOU are not my referee.

 

If I became pregnant through rape,

My voice would be loud and firm:

It’s up to me if what is growing

Inside me should be carried to term.

 

I would not listen to hypocritical

Views about protecting life

From those whose words of shame and blame

Ignore my feelings and cut like a knife.

 

I would not listen to people who

Ignore what should be a woman's right.

And yet to secure this right, women

Always seem to be having to fight.

 

I would seek out expert advice

And weigh the options to do what's best.

I know it wouldn't be an easy

Decision. To that I would attest.

 

No, I'm not a woman, you see.

My name certainly gives me away.

But still I try to listen to

What many women have to say:

 

"You have the right to express your displeasure.

Yes, that would be fair and fine.

But I'll stay out of YOUR insides,

And you, in turn, stay out of MINE."

-by Bob B (5-4-22)