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.