Approaching 1991,
living with my boyfriend
liberated actualized
with a career and identity
of my own.
Wanting right now to toss it -
My independence and freedom
and many trips taken.
I am free and independent;
no ring on my hand,
no name change for a very long time.
I've given my whole heart
and pelvis to my lover.
Given it over and over on a platter.
This is all I can give,
there is no more.
My whole dowry.
We live in the 90's
with computer dating services,
and answering machines,
and code numbers for dating services
International.
Women call him
and write,
and he files it all away.
Having me without commitment of marriage
and a line waiting
and waiting.
The side effects of women liberation,
I would gladly toss
to be emancipated
like my great aunt.
I am nothing,
no title, no role.
A single woman who has given all.
Is there a basic instinct
in women for security
like men's instinct for freedom?
Instinctive in bones
and cells.