by Robyn Morgan

Created on: August 06, 2007   Last Updated: August 07, 2007

One evening...
My friend and I were
discussing feminist theory ,
our lack of recorded history
with our invisible faces,
and the extensive
continuing malaise about
our second class status.

Inquiring, a man asked me
what I was studying,
With some hesitancy
I quickly mumbled
Women's Studies
under my breath.
It sounded unintelligible
So of course
I had to amplify myself.

He said that being a feminist was a farce
nothing but erroneous facts in that class,
remarking sarcastically, as most usually do,
that they also should teach men studies.

Trying to remain somewhat nonchalant,
I articulated that women's
names, places and faces in history
hardly existed for me before...
I came to know women's studies.

Examples, illustrations and instances
there are plenty, I said attempting to educate him.
My ire rising as I thought about Rosalind Franklin
who lacked recognition for
the meticulous work she toiled at
with the missing details of D.N.A.
that completed the Nobel prize for three men
Watson, Crick and Wilkson

So many other women missing women
ming sing womsing
However we say it they are absent from our books
they are absent from our history
they only exist in her stories
not his stories

Learn more about this author, Robyn Morgan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.