Forty Poem by Nancy Terrell

FORTY

I thought
that by the time one reaches forty
the failures
would be over
and living would begin,
caring about the precious years
remaining -
visualized from
a different perspective.

Can it be?
That after living with someone
For twenty years
I instinctively know
what he'll say
but never understand?

Is it Bud?
Or is it the male mind?
Is ego really
related to success?
Do past failures
not point out the necessity
of future achievements?

Why are the main goals
of the male life
centered upon
desires - to acquire
laced with possession
lending power to the accomplishment?

Are woman so diverse
that we view goals differently?
It seems to me that the happiness
for which we are all striving
would be better attained
if male goals had less
to do with dominion
and more to do with
loving
feeling
caring
laughing
sharing
running
flying
skipping
and other enjoyments
of the spirit!


2/9/80