A Man’s World (Inspired by Alice Walker’s “Women”)

Be soft 
And supple 
Hairless like a child
Pluck your brows
Dye your hair
But don’t be so vain
Stand up for yourself
But know your place
Be wife material
But don’t be so needy and dependent
Be strong
And confident
But rely on my compliments for self esteem
Don’t starve yourself
To look like a stick 
“Only dogs like bones!”
But don’t indulge
Be sexy
Be curvy
Be thick
But don’t be a cow
Spread your legs when I ask
Wear crop tops
Skinny jeans like a second skin 
And skirts so short they look like panties 
But don’t be so easy
You’re just asking for it then
Cross your legs
Sit up straight 
Make sure your skirt is long
And your lipstick demure
But don’t be such a prude
Please me
Abide by my rules
Submit
But don’t you dare
Cry “misogyny”
After all, we’re equals, aren’t we?