One Egg Breakfast

Sexism at the Bus Stop While Reading Michael Kimmel

There I stood thinking
About masculinity and the classroom
Absorbed in my reading
I question if it is necessary
Do I cater to them for protection?
To stop having a bad name?
For young women to show
Their fathers and brothers?
So they can apologize for daring to learn about women
Look look it isn't just for me.

He quietly says, hey gorgeous
I smile on impulse and immediately
Hate myself.
Then I try to justify my complicity in his dominance.
Shuddering at my timidity and his temerity.
He says my smile brightens up the summer afternoon.
I feel ugly and naked again as I wish I had my sweater.
My shroud.
To burn myself and keep hidden from attention.
The compliment as danger
I plan my escape route.

Kimmel talks about
How Women's Studies has helped him.
How it helps men.
Is it enough?
Because I still face shame in the street.