mars

this is what's allotted
for men who seek to pass
the traits and expectations
granted to our class

women are not granted these
but live them all the same
allowed our affectations
long as they play the game

strength is the essential thing
set before the rest
next your independence
by which you're self-possessed

assertive of yourself
up to and past aggression
ours is not to make
even minor concessions

sexual appetite
is the connectedness allowed
though it's more a numbers game
of which you can be proud

be stoic in your temperament
ignore any pains
do not dwell on what you feel
focus on your gains

granted rationality
and distance from emotion
it's to our absent god we pray
with anger as devotion

leadership is ours
and so is to provide
a holdover from times
when women were denied

all those other things
that a human person feels
you're not granted these
so deny your own appeals