Day Twenty One

The equinox has passed. Soon March will pass, and Women’s History Month will be over for another year. It is possible it will be scrubbed from our collective memory before the year passes. Of course, many of us will remember it. We will return to continue archiving women’s history, women’s thoughts, women’s ideas. Today I return to my “I am…” series with Kate, Shakespeare’s shrew.

KATE

 I am Kate.
I don’t want to get married.
My sister does; let her.
Why must I marry first?
I wish not to be appointed hours,
Or live at a man’s behest.

I am Kate.
I am called shrew.
Because I know my own mind,
And would have my own preferences.
I will not suffer for a fool.

I am Kate.
I can be angry if I choose.
It is my mind,
And no one else may command me.
I have no wish to be bound to an ass.

I am Kate.
I am forced to marry
To a man who abuses me.
He seeks to tame me.
I will play his game
Until I am ready.

I am Kate.
The bard has done me wrong.
I know the sun, and can tell it from the moon.
He forces me to belie my own eyes
At the command of an ass.

I am Kate.
I will get my revenge.