These Are My JOTtings...

Equal Rights Has Come a Long Way

Equal Rights is quite a lass
and laddie as it were.
We've made some changes come to pass
and elevated her.

But how has Equal Rights thus aged?
This thought it all Depends
Upon if words have blessed, enraged
or made we great amends.

It seems that some want equal chance
"...to make a name," they say.
They want respect that's free from glance
and work that's equal pay.

Sounds fair to me, Progressive Guy,
who thinks equality
Should be the same and thus apply
to ladies as to me.

The daily life of men is tough
from my perspective view,
But ladies have had quite enough,
since what they say is true.

The Equal Rights of modern days
are sixty long years old,
But questions of this truth displays
the work that needs be told.

We cannot throw our hands and quit
because the way is hard.
Let's think and all the good admit
as progress we must guard.

The days of "little lady fair"
have gone the ways of cave.
The lady's strong, though still needs care.
Respect for her we save.

That men have needs beyond the bed,
I dare you laugh at this!
For such unkind thoughts leave the red
marks on the heart you miss.

Is there Equality at home
when women decorate
And men get one Cave, there to roam,
while throughout house we wait?

Oh, some men may yet like this slur
about Neanderthals,
But this lone man would yet prefer
a wing of "Deck The Halls!"

And let me show my gifted art
throughout the house, anon,
This man's got skills he would impart
and paint his print upon.

Equal Rights relates us best
when both in native tongue
Can share his thoughts or hers in jest
without the hearts be wrung.

I've spent my life from strong, strong Mom
to wife, who's truly bold
A-learning female language...some,
while all my wrongs were told.

But rare I've seen the male heart sought
by ladies in the land,
Who want to learn of men as taught,
relating hand-in-hand.

The men, like me, see ladies strong
as gift to world at large,
If they do honor, sing our song
and share the jobs in charge.

Evaluate us both by skills,
yet not by looks or lust.
Respect as made the jobs we fill
and learn we both to trust.

To honor Equal's daily grace
let's walk we side-by-side,
Enriching both to higher place
without an ounce of pride.

Of supervisors through my life,
the ladies know their stuff.
Obey their lead without my strife
I've done most sure enough.

There's nothing really wrong today
that makes me write like this.
Yet, sometimes something on display
will cause me think or miss.

The pendulum of social weight
swings 'tween each gender's mos
Insuring that the "Equal" date
is minuscule or loss.

I cannot speak for ev'ry man.
I've known days good and bad.
I hope Equality by plan
has blessed and made you glad.

The men I've met and women, too,
some helped and some have hurt,
But when our days are fully through,
the heart can none avert.

Though Equal Rights may legislate
by social fiat norms
That all must love and never hate,
Respect that always warms.

We know in fact that ev'ry heart
has honor or distrust
For Equal Rights will always start
in those, whose cause is just.

Respect at best is two-way street,
but honor flows from core
Of one, who gives when lives do meet
that trust may be restored.

by Jay O'Toole
on April 12th, 2018