“It’s not just chauvinism . . . she said .
Its bigotry, sexism, prejudice . . .”
Her voice, normally low, became slightly shrill
As he picked up his flute.
“It holds us back! It hurts everyone!
You, me; men, women, children . . . “
She breathed sharply,
Pacing the span of the room.
Hair flew out from under her scarf
“How will we find the nerve,
The humility, the strength
To break this terrible mind-set?”
She turned around again and
Looked down at her shoes.
He followed behind her, playing.
“Why won’t you help?” she said
As she stopped, searching his face.
Light streamed in through a window
A corona appeared behind her head.
He stopped playing.
“I am trying,” he murmured
“I really am trying.”
