By Jenn Platt
My mother's hands are long, rough, and strong.
They have worked ten hour days for little money
just to make ends meet for us.
They once braided my lengthy hair
every night before bed, so it wouldn't tangle.
And later they worked to feed us
and didn't stop just because the workday was through.
More work was to be done at home.
Nothing makes them happier
than seeing the fruits of their labor.
Touching the furniture and finding no dust,
seeing that everything is in its place and tidy.
Then these hands make ample food to feed the family.
Dinner is served warm and flavorful
and you can't help but feel warm, cozy, and content.
"When you grow up, you can make all your dreams come true.
The sky is the limit."
My mother reminds me that I can achieve everything I want
but I need to be determined and dedicated to succeed.
She tells me to persevere
even when my dreams seem so far away.
Because of her my dreams are closer in sight.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Post by Sue Doro
Factory Ladies
Daddy's in the kitchen home from work.
Drinking a beer and saying how
there's ladies at A.O. Smith that do his job.
Saying they weren't there before The War.
And if The War wasn't on they wouldn't be there now.
Says even if they do the 'xact same as him,
he knows he's better.
I asked how come he knows.
He doesn't answer.
But he gives me the look he gives Momma to make her shut up.
Sometimes it works.
When it doesn't, the fighting starts.
When they fight, Daddy always wins.
But I know why Momma keeps talking.
Even if she knows it starts a fight she can't win.
Sometimes you have to…just to get rid of
what's stuck in your throat that won't let you swallow.
Sue Doro from Sugar String
“Sugar String” by Sue Doro, Published 2008.
Available at Modern Times Books in San Francisco and on the internet through Bottom Dog Press. http://smithdocs.net/WorkingLiveshomepage2.html
Review by Vicky Hamlin, Laborer, Heavy Truck Driver.
Currently Well Inspector for Water Resources Dept. of Public Works, Alameda County, CA
The tales that weave in and out and around and through this lovely volume are like life---sometimes gently sweet and poignant, sometimes powerfully emotional about both good and bad times. Sugar strings indeed, these stories have a sweetness to them that at first hides the core of harsh bitterness that lies below, and then comes roaring out. But there is her partner, their children, and the life-long closeness of blue collar co-workers and childhood friends that save her life. They bring her into her own as a working class woman with a straightforward perspective and a direct and clear writing style.
There are many experiences that Sue and I do not share in common but there is something that every woman alive will relate to in this extremely personal, difficult journey back into the painful growing up times of her life.
One thing that Sue and I do share is a history in these all-white-male-dominated fields, and a history with Tradeswomen, Inc. I understand what it is to be able to see that you can do a good job of work, and to be denied and then forced to fight over and over and over for the right to prove that you can do that satisfying, rewarding piece of good work. It is all so incredibly silly and childish and painful and confusing. Men and women have a long way to go to work this all out.
I also know what it is like to have a group of women who understand what you are going through, who give moral support and the strength to keep going against all odds. To some this will seem like a weird little wrinkle in the history of women---many people think “Why on earth would women want to do this work?” Sue spins this unusual story out in a way that puts it out there and makes it understandable, that this is GOOD work, pleasing work, with many fine people supporting this struggle, men and women both. I loved this book. I will be giving copies to all my friends who have lived with me through all of my struggles in the trades. In telling her story, Sue will no doubt save some lives herself. Pass it on, Sue.
Daddy's in the kitchen home from work.
Drinking a beer and saying how
there's ladies at A.O. Smith that do his job.
Saying they weren't there before The War.
And if The War wasn't on they wouldn't be there now.
Says even if they do the 'xact same as him,
he knows he's better.
I asked how come he knows.
He doesn't answer.
But he gives me the look he gives Momma to make her shut up.
Sometimes it works.
When it doesn't, the fighting starts.
When they fight, Daddy always wins.
But I know why Momma keeps talking.
Even if she knows it starts a fight she can't win.
Sometimes you have to…just to get rid of
what's stuck in your throat that won't let you swallow.
Sue Doro from Sugar String
“Sugar String” by Sue Doro, Published 2008.
Available at Modern Times Books in San Francisco and on the internet through Bottom Dog Press. http://smithdocs.net/WorkingLiveshomepage2.html
Review by Vicky Hamlin, Laborer, Heavy Truck Driver.
Currently Well Inspector for Water Resources Dept. of Public Works, Alameda County, CA
The tales that weave in and out and around and through this lovely volume are like life---sometimes gently sweet and poignant, sometimes powerfully emotional about both good and bad times. Sugar strings indeed, these stories have a sweetness to them that at first hides the core of harsh bitterness that lies below, and then comes roaring out. But there is her partner, their children, and the life-long closeness of blue collar co-workers and childhood friends that save her life. They bring her into her own as a working class woman with a straightforward perspective and a direct and clear writing style.
There are many experiences that Sue and I do not share in common but there is something that every woman alive will relate to in this extremely personal, difficult journey back into the painful growing up times of her life.
One thing that Sue and I do share is a history in these all-white-male-dominated fields, and a history with Tradeswomen, Inc. I understand what it is to be able to see that you can do a good job of work, and to be denied and then forced to fight over and over and over for the right to prove that you can do that satisfying, rewarding piece of good work. It is all so incredibly silly and childish and painful and confusing. Men and women have a long way to go to work this all out.
I also know what it is like to have a group of women who understand what you are going through, who give moral support and the strength to keep going against all odds. To some this will seem like a weird little wrinkle in the history of women---many people think “Why on earth would women want to do this work?” Sue spins this unusual story out in a way that puts it out there and makes it understandable, that this is GOOD work, pleasing work, with many fine people supporting this struggle, men and women both. I loved this book. I will be giving copies to all my friends who have lived with me through all of my struggles in the trades. In telling her story, Sue will no doubt save some lives herself. Pass it on, Sue.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Post by Dina Gripenstraw
"I had a patient yesterday who was the same age as my mom and had a similar cancer. She wasn't doing well and her doctor went into her room for a frank discussion with her and her family. He came, with much love, with the decision to stop treatment and let her die.
Our beautiful, kind and gentle chaplain Laura and I were at her bedside. I was administering morphine for comfort, and Laura said to her "Are you afraid to die?" So direct, just like I felt when you and I were there with my mom and the hospice nurse. Remember? You and I are the only two people on this earth who remember that, one of the most horrible moments of my life.
My patient immediately, peacefully, answered "No, not at all." I took a huge breath and left the room and wanted to cry all day, but I didn't. I took excellent care of my patient and her two sons, dealt with loads of bullshit (sorry, another cuss word) on a busy ICU day outside her room, and finished my day.
Laura came by at the end of the day to check on our patient and I told her that the moment we had shared earlier was very hard for me because I had a very similar moment with my mom before she died. She said, "Your mom was not afraid, she worked so hard and found peace. Her biggest concern was for your daughter; she talked about her all the time."
I was taken by surprise for two reasons. First, I realized that this chaplain who I work with daily had spoken extensively with my mom while she was a patient in my hospital. Why hadn't I realized this before? Second, I never perceived my mom as "working hard" to find peace through her journey with cancer. (Excuse me, but I have to say right here, Fuck Cancer!!).
Could it be that she made it look easy to me? Could it be that she hid the struggle part? I never saw it. And then the painful reminder of the lost relationship between Corrie and my mom became again too painful for me to bear. I've been tired and somber, resting all day, and finally realized what I wanted to say on your blog. Simply post for me, Fuck Cancer.
Poem from Saundra Curry
BEHOLD BARACK!
Bold
Beautiful
Black
Bewitching
Beloved
Bountiful
Bodacious
Breathtaking
Bi-Racial
Bitterless
Bright
Beguiling
Buoyant
Best
Big
Biblical
Busy
Blameless
Bedecked
Booted-and-Suited
Budding
Blessed
Buttressed
Bullish
Behemoth
Beneficent
&
Beyond Belief
Poem from Jean Zlotkin
E Pluribus Unum
Commemorating Inauguration Day 2009
It is no surprise to me, Mr. Obama,
that you are standing
where you are today,
though some might think
otherwise.
It is no surprise to me that
someone of your mixed ethnicity
has been chosen from among us all
to serve not only America
but also, in effect, the world, and
Earth, herself.
It is no surprise to me
that someone of your sensibilities
recognized that America can yet be
what those first leaders long ago
envisioned but is yet far from reality.
It is no surprise to me that your
mother, my contemporary,
afforded you the opportunity
to blend race and cultural differences
into a family.
All these are the reasons so many
young people, old people, white people
black people, rich people, poor people
scared yet excited people,
sent their dollars and their hopes,
their prayers and their votes
your way.
Tuesday we will hold our breath
as you take that oath,
feel our eyes water, our chests
tighten, our hearts burst,
with hope -- and fear,
for so much is at stake.
Not just America, and our way of life,
but the great ideals that gave us birth,
almost lost, it seemed, just yesterday;
not only humans but all life forms
depend, now, on what we do,
and how we do it.
So, it will not surprise me
that you may ask us,
when you speak on Tuesday,
to remember that it takes
a village to change a culture,
and courage to follow a leader.
It will not surprise me if you say
the road is long, the way is hard
and the dangers lie ahead,
not behind. And tell us also that
the way is wide enough for us all.
E pluribus unum maybe read
Out of many, one; or some say
One, from many; either way
we must travel together.
And it does not surprise us
that you will lead the way.
JMZ 1/17/09
Commemorating Inauguration Day 2009
It is no surprise to me, Mr. Obama,
that you are standing
where you are today,
though some might think
otherwise.
It is no surprise to me that
someone of your mixed ethnicity
has been chosen from among us all
to serve not only America
but also, in effect, the world, and
Earth, herself.
It is no surprise to me
that someone of your sensibilities
recognized that America can yet be
what those first leaders long ago
envisioned but is yet far from reality.
It is no surprise to me that your
mother, my contemporary,
afforded you the opportunity
to blend race and cultural differences
into a family.
All these are the reasons so many
young people, old people, white people
black people, rich people, poor people
scared yet excited people,
sent their dollars and their hopes,
their prayers and their votes
your way.
Tuesday we will hold our breath
as you take that oath,
feel our eyes water, our chests
tighten, our hearts burst,
with hope -- and fear,
for so much is at stake.
Not just America, and our way of life,
but the great ideals that gave us birth,
almost lost, it seemed, just yesterday;
not only humans but all life forms
depend, now, on what we do,
and how we do it.
So, it will not surprise me
that you may ask us,
when you speak on Tuesday,
to remember that it takes
a village to change a culture,
and courage to follow a leader.
It will not surprise me if you say
the road is long, the way is hard
and the dangers lie ahead,
not behind. And tell us also that
the way is wide enough for us all.
E pluribus unum maybe read
Out of many, one; or some say
One, from many; either way
we must travel together.
And it does not surprise us
that you will lead the way.
JMZ 1/17/09
And Here's Why
Our ability to express our feelings, desires, fears, frustrations with words is one of the essential components of being human. A number of friends have expressed a desire to have a place where they can post their writing occasionally, without feeling like they have to do it on a regular basis.
So welcome to Because It Matters!
And believe me it does. Writing that is. So, write when you are happy! Write when you're sad! And write all the time in between. And post only when you feel like it.
I haven't figured out yet how to give everyone direct access to posting (logons, passwords, etc.) so for the time being, email your writing to me and I'll post it.
Happy writing!
So welcome to Because It Matters!
And believe me it does. Writing that is. So, write when you are happy! Write when you're sad! And write all the time in between. And post only when you feel like it.
I haven't figured out yet how to give everyone direct access to posting (logons, passwords, etc.) so for the time being, email your writing to me and I'll post it.
Happy writing!
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