Ladies and Their Gentlemen

I hear them chat,
I hear them brag,
I hear them weave
Their yarns of pride.

I hear them joke
I hear them laugh,
I hear them curse
At men they trust.

I hear them cough
I hear them choke,
I hear them rinse
Themselves of guilt.

I hear them cry
I hear them weep,
I hear them cleanse
Themselves of shame

I hear them blame,
I hear them maim,
I hear them swear
To nag again.

I hear them stop
I hear them think
I hear them plan
To be their wives.