Game change

I consider myself an unlikely candidate for the role of elder statesman.  Elder stateswoman?  Convention convinced me.  I am on a learning curve.

What is the female equivalent

Of elder statesman?

I*m it.

Somehow.

I do not know

When the transition happened.

Somehow

The game has changed.

I do not know the rules.

I do not know

The dress code.

I do not know

Where I sit

At the table:

The head

The foot

Or somewhere

In between.

Maybe I am

Under the table.

Carefully I consider

What happens

Underneath the conversation

Going on

Above me.