On Male Competitiveness, Part II
...And beyond the arts the same thing
has quite long been at play,
our sporting leagues are built on this,
and keep us entertained.
Our science, despite all the claims
that it’s ‘above all that,’
Is driven by this very urge,
and that much is a fact.
The urge to prove they’re the smartest,
that their work ‘changed the world,’
to have buildings named after them,
their name a precious pearl;
how many great discoveries
in tech of medicine,
came from smart men competing with
the genius next to them?
And how much of our modern world
that we take for granted
came from a man trying to show
the genius in his head.
So when people call it toxic
that strikes me as quite strange,
since it creates so very much
when it’s properly aimed.
Do I care that competition
made the bread that I eat?
Hell no, I care that it got made,
and produced in plenty.
If this impulse of men creates
what we need to survive,
then should it not be put to work
so we don’t starve and die?
Should women’s cooperation
also be called ‘toxic?’
That too often it’s slow and weak,
and damned bureaucratic?
No, I think you would understand
it has its role to play,
and a man’s competitive urge
I say is much the same.
You could surmise the two of them
were made to compliment,
and yes, I know, the need to win
comes off as quite intense,
and I know that some people will
just take it much too far,
and when that happens it’s okay
to lock them behind bars;
but if you try to snuff it out,
give all kids a trophy,
you end the drive that pushes us,
and all things atrophy…
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
