Xanthippe

every man should have
a second-guesser
a scrutinizer
a helper who can
think all for themself
not only is it
more beneficial
behooving and wiser
it speaks to his
ability and success
for anyone can
win and maintain a
doting woman’s love
an easy-to-please
trophy on a shelf
but to attain and
woo a discerning
Xanthippe’s admiration
is the real man’s best
mission, quest, and test

Poetry Scales 187