Gloria Steinem

by Sari Dworkin

Gloria Steinem

1.

My stomach and heart dropped as I heard the news

Gloria Steinem has died.

The death knoll for women’s rights?

2.

The school is down a hall in the basement

Girls and the female teacher wrapped up

            With only their eyes showing

Risk torture, rape and even death

            To study and learn.

3.

Eve bit the apple and brought knowledge into the world.

Labeled by men and righteous religion the original sin.

But women know the truth as both men and women

            Died throughout history to learn to read and write.

4.

Gloria Steinem is dead

Will we pray with our feet Risk torture, rape and even death

            To study and learn.

Continue to march?

Continue to fight?

5.

Gloria Steinem is dead.

Will we stand by the Afghan female students

            And teachers

Who risk torture, rape and even death

            To study and learn.