What Every Woman Should Know & Have

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE

one old love she can imagine going back to
and one who reminds her how far she has come

enough money within her control to move out and
rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to

something perfect to wear if
the employer or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour

a youth she's content to leave behind
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age

a set of screwdrivers, a
cordless drill, and a black lace bra

one friend who always makes
her laugh and one who lets her cry

a good piece of furniture
not previously owned by anyone
else in her family

eight matching plates,
wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal
that will make her guests feel honored

a feeling of control over her destiny

~~~~~~~~~~

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

how to fall in love without losing herself
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship,

when to walk away

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips,
or the nature of her parents

that her childhood may not
have been perfect but its over

what she would and wouldn't
do for love or more

how to live alone even if
she doesn't like it

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally

where to go,
be it to her best friend's kitchen table
or a charming inn in the woods
when her soul needs soothing

what she can and can't
accomplish in a day
a month and a year.

End

Author Unknown.