THE WOMEN I LOVE

Sometimes I love a woman

For her experience and vision

Sometimes for her listening

Sometimes for her articulation

Sometimes for her silence

Sometimes for her arguments

Sometimes for her dedication

Sometimes for her carelessness

Sometimes I love a woman

For her boldness

For her many connections

Many lovers and many loves

Because I don’t value chastity

Or feigned innocence.

Even a child carries forward some memories

And is never a clean slate

Or a pure state

So I love children as much as I love the aged

Because I don’t equate wisdom with old age

And rebellion with youth

So it is okay when the cupboard is open

And a few lingerie lingers there

Sometimes I love a woman for her headscarf

For being defiant in the face of the norm

For all that silent toiling

For her capacity to love and care and forgive

Sometimes I love a woman.

And women, I am curious

What do they look for in a man?