Dethroned

My generation of men
failed women.
We weren't alone,
three generations since
and several hundred before
contributed.

But we were men aware
of their struggle
for rights, equality, status
away from the kitchen.

We were men aware
that conversation exists
one world removed
from arrogant silence.

My generation of men
were abusive, insensitive
toward women and ourselves.
It shows in freedom
no longer ours - to exploit.

Paul Truttman