If only a woman could get a jacket
with an inside pocket
an elegant fit around her broad shoulders
and sleeves that didn’t expose her wrists
If only a woman could get some gloves
to neatly sheath her gracile hands
without webbing
her long fingers
If only a woman could get some boots
to let her walk wherever she wants
without hurting her back
or binding her toes
The world might be okay, after all, if a woman
could do that
From The emptied bridge