Three brothers had I by my side.
Clothed in Sicilian charm
and girded by American pride
they showed up unexpectedly
to protect and defend their sister.
I valued their strength and their lift.
I lifted weights by their side.
Still they believed
they were more fit than I,
who won ever race
on ballerina legs in full stride.
All went well
unless I tried to tell
them what to do or how.
Respect was a two-way street;
except, there were only a few
I was free to pursue.
So, I disobeyed brothers’ orders
and crossed all the borders
they tried to enforce.
Still, they showed up unexpectedly
at every movie and dance
where young men might be
looking for a chance
to cajole and control a young lady.
I discovered, that unlike loving brothers such as mine,
men could be cruel and threatening
to women who refused
to stay in their place.
I am a sister much blessed
by noogies and teasing
that seem relentless.
I am a sister well-loved,
a sister well-protected,
and always respected.
What do women want?
We want it all.
Just like men do.
annarino writes 