by Jacquelyn Shah
 |
| "Him" by Paula Rego |
Because there is no one else to do it, no other woman willing
able qualified skilled articulate
(and certainly no man capable or inclined)
I’ll be the one to do it.
Not only do it but delineate the how and why of it.
Because it’s so extreme widespread persistent long-term deep-rooted––
violence in our world, persecution torture abduction
rape incest murder war subjugation massacre annihilation
(our language is rich with words for various brutalities)
and because it’s carried out by those who hold the power, men––
I hate them. I hate men.
Hate men fervently! Hate them for all the damage they have done and do.
And continue doing and doing and doing...
it never stops: the constant brandishing of weapons
like hands gun rifle rope knife dagger sword bomb penis, etc.
the never-ending violation and violence
of women (yeah, and men), children, babies––yes, babies! Jesus!
Serial murders mass murders executions sometimes necrophilia.
And ongoing destruction of the earth––
Hate them. With all my heart and soul and, especially, brain––
for I have observed, considered and concluded.
I’m willing to hate men. Willing to say I hate them.
Their behavior merits it. But my hatred will never MANifest in violence––
I won’t suppress rape torture murder abduct men.
Though men deserve everything bad they ever get,
I will never give it to them,
but hate them, yes, vigorously, steadfastly!
And dismiss them.
Men. They’re targets of nothing from me
except this quiet hopeless worthless toothless futile
statement made. And repeated, repeated with candor, vehemence:
I, a pacifist, hate men.
All of them? No, not quite all.
Those undeserving get no such ardor,
just a cold shoulder––
because they’re all complicit, especially those in positions of power
who do nothing to change the current killing in our pathetic country.