FREEDOM
She shook her head in dismay
When would he take her seriously?
Dismissing her thoughts so airily
He might be the big shot at his
office
But he didn’t have to be so callous.
His clothes were laundered and
pressed
She massaged his shoulders when he
was stressed
His dinner was always hot and
nourishing
She’d spend all day tidying and
cleaning
Now she wanted to go out to work
Starts work as a part-time clerk
She sees the kids off to school
Takes her turn at the car pool
Returns home by four
Quickly mops the floor
Does the laundry
Longing to be free
A few more years
Lots more secret tears
Babies grow into teenagers
They still need a chauffeur
Promoted at work
No longer just a clerk
In charge of a group of people
Her mind and brain more agile
It won’t take long
Before she is gone
The last laugh will be on her
As she walks out of the door.
Word count: 166
Action packed poem. She's so busy. Don't she get some message from yhe other half as well?
ReplyDeleteHope she takes breaks in between her chores and job.
Wish her all the freedom she could endure....
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThe torment of a one-sided marriage where one person only thinks of himself. It's a pity really because something could happen that would prevent her from moving forward and her tomorrow would never come.
Shalom aleichem
I'm glad she has hope for the future. It's so sad when people become trapped
ReplyDeleteHi Sally - oh so true for so many ... but she certainly has worked out her future ... and I'm so pleased she was able to work her way up the ladder. Love the way you are able to write poetry like this - congratulations ... all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteI know how she feels. Sometimes, marriage can be a prison. Enjoyed your take on Freedom.
ReplyDeleteNancy
I'm glad she has the courage to break out of the confinement of her 'wifely' duties. So many women subjugate their lives to their husbands for the sake of peace or family. But this woman didn't. She is working on her own professional and social fulfillment. Good for her!
ReplyDeleteShe had the patience to wait for her day. Good for her, timing is everything!
ReplyDeleteHi Sally. Oh, the freedom that comes with financial and professional independence. I so recommend it. Great take.
ReplyDelete-Sonia from https://soniadogra.com
I felt for her here, longing for more and in a marriage where she wasn't appreciated as she should have been. I'm glad she finally got to where she wanted to be. She deserved it.
ReplyDeleteRaising money to gain ones freedom. Always a strong story. Good work.
ReplyDeleteI always abhorred the idea that women were supposed to be content to be servile to men and, in fact, aspire to be so. The fact that my mother's name on her credit card was "Mrs. Professor Owl" rather than "Susan Owl" always bothered me. I secretly started considering myself a feminist when I was eight years old.
ReplyDeleteSad, and yet, inspiring. A one-sided marriage is a terrible thing. I wonder if there's any other way to work on it? In any case, I'm glad she has a plan for her future if things get too bad. You pack a lot into very few words. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteWorking towards financial independence and towards freedom. An unequal marriage is a terrible endurance test. You conveyed the stress and the hope in a very small wordcount. Well done.
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring and well paced poem. Well done Sally.
ReplyDeleteI like the way she silently plots her future. It's a pity she couldn't escape years ago, but it's good to know she looks toward a life of freedom eventually. It's the type of story that makes me angry, but well done Sally, with capturing the essence of the prompt.
ReplyDeleteParenthood is a devastatingly difficult stage and I am sure the opposite is as well. It is sad the way many plot a future and find it impossible to enjoy their current moment. A very thought-provoking poem!
ReplyDeleteVery neat poem, full of energy. Well done.
ReplyDelete