Day 2

Here I am, the second day of my fourth year into this marathon. I would like to think I am making a difference, but it feels a little far-fetched to think I am. Still, I must try. I must shout. I must stomp. When I was a younger woman, I didn’t think we would be where we are when I was an older woman. Now that I am an older woman, I can see that many things can go in reverse, that rights won still have to be fought for, and right can be lost. So I keep on shouting, and stomping, and maybe one day my voice will be heard against the thunder of the patriarchy. Maybe I will be like that smallest of Whos, JoJo, who was the voice that finally made the multitude loud enough to be heard, saving Horton from being boiled in Beezlenut oil…and a similar nasty fate for Whoville.

So tonight, a poem. A small poem by a small voice. I hope it helps.

IF I HAD A DOLLAR

 If I had a dollar
For every time someone
Told me to smile –
I would be a wealthy woman.

 If I had a dollar
For every time someone
Grabbed my ass –
I could retire in comfort.

 If I had a dollar
For every time a man
Interrupted me or talked over me –
I could buy my own country.

 If I had a dollar
For every time a man
Took my idea as his –
I could do whatever I wanted.

 If I had a dollar
For every time a man
Explained my own field to me –
I would rest in the clouds.

 If I had a dollar
For every time I felt
Fearful for my job, my safety, my sanity –
I would have as many dollars as I have lived hours.