For Every Woman

by Nancy R. Smith

For every woman who is tired of acting weak

when she knows she is strong,

there is a man who is tired of appearing

strong when he feels vulnerable.

For every woman who is tired of acting dumb,

there is a man who is burdened with the

expectation of knowing everything.

For every woman who is tired of being called

"an emotional female,"

there is a man who is denied the right

to be gentle.

For every woman who feels "tied down" by her children,

there is a man who is denied the full pleasure

of shared parenthood.

For every woman who is denied meaningful employment and equal pay,

there is a man who must bear full financial

responsibility for another human being.

For every woman who was not taught the intricacies of an automobile,

there is a man who was not taught the

satisfaction of cooking.

For every woman who takes a step toward her own liberation,

there is a man who finds that the way

to freedom has been made a little easier.

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