This poem is taken from PN Review 28, Volume 9 Number 2, November - December 1982.

The Muse: His and Hers

Elizabeth Smart

His pampered Muse
Knew no veto.
Hers lived
In a female ghetto.

When his Muse cried
He replied
Loud and clear
Yes! Yes! I'm waiting here.

Her Muse screamed
But children louder.
Then which strength
Made her prouder?

Neither. Either
Pushed and shoved
With the strength of the loved
and the unloved,

Clashed, rebuked:
...

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