Woman, Relaxed

http://www.handinhandparenting.org/

I'm not familiar with the blog,
but I've seen that face before!

Remembering the years without
new dresses from the store, the times
she felt so helpless, didn't have enough
to pay for what she'd put up on the slowly
moving belt while watching squirrelly
children pick up candy off the racks,
somebody's bright idea to put it at their level,
thinking that Someone would be too tired to notice,
use it for a bribe, or a reward. "Put that back!"
she'd tell them, no apology, no bowing
to the pouty lips;
he worked so hard.
They never even thought of asking
if they qualified, could get a little help,
too young and proud and healthy, leave
all that for folks who can't get out of bed,
can't move and sweat, feel good about
the fact the day is over and they earned
their keep, they earned their rest that
night.
She'd ask the cashier how much
over, can you take that off, and that,
now how much? Kids, go get your sister,
there she goes again, let's just get out
of here, a mumbling sorry to the grumbler
there behind her, no regard for her embarrassment
for holding up the line, for wanting more
than she could have right then.
Off the shelves.
From the others.
Out of life.
And now the kids are gone
and he is finally slowing down, but only
just. Inside her head, she knows the mama
who stayed home because she thought
it better for the babies, scrimping,
sacrificing, have to make ends meet,
that woman's there.

"Relax," she says, surprised to feel
the woman take a deep, deep breath,
lie down and go to sleep.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2015