DONKEYS & ZEBRAS

A Kenyan man once taught me

the difference between donkeys and zebras

He said that while zebras are plenty lovely,

a wise man would rather be with a donkey

I was a bit confused,

I didn’t know what he meant

He explained that a donkey is good to be used

while a zebra is stubborn and hard to be kept

Donkeys are timid, meek and mild

Zebras run free, reckless and wild

Donkeys come home & 

stay in their place

While zebras buck & bite, 

lacking tact and grace

Donkey does

what zebra don't.

Donkey will

when zebra won't.

Donkey carries the burden

Zebra travels far & light 

Donkey makes for an easy ride. 

Donkey listens & obeys. 

Zebra insists & dismays.

Donkey never leaves his side. 

Whether Donkey understands or not,

there is always a leash in his hand. 

No need to explain the plight or plot,

there is no opposition to his plan. 

Zebra is exhausting, 

entirely too difficult and bossy. 

Compared to Donkey, 

Zebra’s obedience is just too costly

Lusted by many, but loved by few

The affection of a zebra can only

Last for a season or two

Gazed upon with desire and disdain,

Zebra is beautiful, but difficult to tame

I considered his words and what they imply

It seems as a woman you have a choice;

Be loved & cherished if you silently comply

or 

Be hated & discarded for having a voice

On one hand, I was offended

On the other, I understood

But I must ask;

why does love require that you be good? 

His analogy made sense,

it was an easy conclusion to come to

But anyone with a heart can see

that Zebra deserves love, too