Women afore 1800s

A free-verse poem

Image Source: Prawny in Pixabay

I am a feminine of fluid who
reforms itself in union
with its bank.

Never did I move against the
flow, solely responsive
to stroke along the cascades.

Did anyone ask if this is fine?
Even the water
thirsted at times.

I am water but act like
the dead fish, washed away
by the unwomanly current of democracy.