Why is a woman

Why is a woman

a man’s cherry flower?

someone who he can modify

mark as his

think for her

plug her from meals

& paste her

in the backdrop of morning glories

if she’s beautiful

she must be a moon

bring joy to him

despite her disposition

if she’s smart

she must be blurred

out of the Holy Species

with hibiscus breath

if wise, she must be stoned

if loud, she must be silenced

She’s lived in this fishpond

knowing that outside

is evergreen

& has written to you

and for you

the variants of her loneliness

in a haiku of silent words

she’s the symbol

of your highest dreams

& bore you alone

along a mountain’s temple

she’s the water you rub on your face

the scenery behind

all your accomplishments

why should you

treat her so?