Dear Gentlemen

   by Kathryn Jacobs
                  
 
Apologies in suits: their very walk
says “I’m not dangerous.” It’s tiresome, guys.
Is masculinity against the law,
and no one told me? Or which one of us
needs all the reassurance? Half the men
I know feel guilty – “and the other half
are pricks” said Brenda, laughing. Not quite true –
but I laughed with her. 
                        So, Dear Gentlemen:
it’s safely hidden, promise; there’s no need
to sit curled up like you’re afraid of kicks.
Or head back, with your belly like a block –
I never sit that close. It is okay
to deprecate yourself – but if you do,
it’s better not to mean it. Last of all,
please don’t apologize for being male:
go for that middle ground between the wolf
and castrated at 10. It does exist.