Man, woman
he, she.
Human humanity
their, heir
inhumanity.
Manual workmen
and man hours.
Policeman, fireman
chairman too.
Language affects action.
Live,
love,
be.
Written for Tuesday’s Poetics at dVerse, the virtual pub for poets. Anmol hosts and asks us to write a poem about “pride, gender, fluidity, sexuality, protest . . .” Image from Pixabay.com
lillian the home poet 
Yes! Love this take!
LikeLike
It’ long past time for men to stop beating women – and all the world – with that rib and treat everyone one as equals.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Preach! This is a rallying call, with such strength and a great format. “Language affects action”: This says it all.
See you around, Lillian! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thoughtful and true. Can we ungender this language? it needs doing…(K)
LikeLike
The simple solution for happiness …… LIVE,….LOVE….BE (aha, but the secret is to allow others to do the same!)
LikeLike
Yes, language is power… I Swedish we have started to create new gender-neutral words for he and she… sometimes you simply don’t know the gender of the police so it’s actually very practical
LikeLike
Lillian, if you get a chance, check out the book, “Egalia’s Daughters.” It turns the language on its ear.
LikeLike
he-retical, he-inous, and WOND-HER-FULL. Thanks Lillian. 🙂
LikeLike
Very nicely done, Lill! It’s all in the language.
LikeLike
Well done, Lillian! Language is important.
LikeLike
Yes! The language whispers in stereotypes.
LikeLike
“Language affects action,” … truer words have never been spoken! Love this! 💝
LikeLike
Brilliant!
LikeLike