From our 19th century historian Eudora Dickinson: Emmett Lee Dickinson is often referred to as the "poet laureate of the women's movement," and some even call him its founding father. He created national scandal in the late-1800s when he published his poem "The Men for Women Always talk," for the work suggested that women have the right to vote. Outrage even reached the hallowed halls of Congress where congressmen reacted vehemently and violently to Dickinson's radical view. Women vote? Women have a say on the policies and laws created specifically to rule over them? "How preposterous," growled the men and gyneticians (politicians who assume they are also gynecologists) in Washington. It took some 40-plus years after the publication of Dickinson's poem for women to achieve the right to vote. |
If Dickinson were here today, he would surely join those nasty women in Washington in support of their rights which are now more than ever in danger of being set back 40-plus years.
By Emmett Lee Dickinson: The Men for Women Always talk On Capitol Hill Today – With here and there a mighty Bill Of Domesticity The Women doubtless on their own Will quicken to perceive Much broader landscape for Themselves And Vote for their beliefs – | By Emily Dickinson: Like Men and Women Shadows walk Upon the Hills Today – With here and there a mighty Bow Or trailing Courtesy To Neighbors doubtless of their own Not quickened to perceive Minuter landscape as Ourselves And Boroughs where we live – |