The Ignorants

Mother
Would you have us lie down with you
To whisper sweet nothing into your ear
Would you rather we embrace your prejudice
Rub ourselves against the hate of this and that
Would you prefer that in our union
We hate them too?
.

Mother
Why aren't you like those women in the movies?
The mothers of heroes
Gentle feminine
Offering kisses on brow
Soft carresses of hair
In silent half light
.

Mother
Why is it so wrong to be smart?
What is it about that challenge
That leaves us unworthy
.

Wife
Married when we were stupid and young
Would you have us lie down with you
To whisper sweet nothing into your ear
Would you rather we share your indifference
And loud assertions
.

Wife
Why aren't you like those women in the movies?
The wives of heroes
Gentle feminine
Offering kisses on brow
Stroking hair with soft carresses
.

Wife
Why is it so wrong to be smart
What is it about that which challenges you so
Why is it so unworthy
That you would foster in us ignorance?
.

Wife attack, Mother attack
In expressions of self hatred
Two wrongs assert their right
.

All that exceeds their vocabulary is labeled unworthy
The smart denigraded and marginalized
.

We are smart-asses for knowing what these words mean
And we are worse for using them in our defense
.

Ignorance hangs like medalions of lead
From the necks of children drowning
.

Mother and Wife
What is wrong with those women in the movies?
That they should be gentle and forgiving
Open and encouraging
Peaceful and loving
Laughing
.

What example can you be?
To these new men and women
Sons and daughters
Without love and forgiveness
Without praise of knowledge
.