where men don't go

it's not because i am or i am not,
but i share an identity that is subtle
and i tiptoe - because i can.

i wake up early and i tote
the world on my back.
i do the work i do, which anyone
could accomplish,
but i do it, nonetheless
with a perceived (or is that 'conceived')
notion of importance.

but i am important
or so i tell myself.
but i am a woman
and that's important.

i go where men don't go
and i tiptoe with caution -
because i have to.