Poetry:
        Indispensable Woman

Alaina Lett
Adjunct Instructor
Snead State Community College
Jefferson State Community College
Jacksonville State University
Email: alainalett@hotmail.com

Indispensable Woman*

When did I become so valuable?
All of a sudden I'm the one everyone turns to.
They seem to think I can do it all.
I'm my own daycare; I always seem to have everyone else's as well as mine.
I chauffeur the old, buying groceries and making doctors' appointments.
I'm the math tutor for kindergarten through trig.
I'm the novice artist to help my son with his drawings.
I'm the room mom at daycare and always a chaperone.
I'm the one everyone calls to either proofread or type (or both) their children's papers.
I'm the novice coordinator and baker who organizes baby showers, wedding receptions, and designs kids' games and cakes for their parties.
I wonder how I found time to accumulate these skills among so many people's requests.
I'm the house painter, both inside and out.
I'm the novice plumber who can change a showerhead and help install a toilet.
I'm the Spades partner everyone wants.
I'm the laborer who installs carpet and vinyl.
I'm the novice mechanic who rotates tires, checks fluids, and changes batteries,
spark plugs and windshield wipers.
I'm the family photographer.
I'm the novice carpenter who owns a Dremmel, a jig saw, and knows the difference between a Phillip's and a flat head.
I'm the one who's called for quick, last minute cleanings or if the furniture needs rearranging.
I'm the expert bargain-hunter, and if I can't find it on Saturday morning, then it can't be found.
When did I become so valuable?
If I refused, I wouldn't be the one everyone turns to.
But, they seem to think I can do it all, so why should I tell them that I can't?

* Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" subconsciously motivated this poem.

July 02, 2003

Academic Exchange Extra invites reader responses to any writings in this issue--especially articles advancing the scholarly debate of issues raised.

Page Viewed:   / Created: 13 September 2003 / Updated: --