An Apron String Feminist


Mama didn’t take any shit.
She was an apron string feminist
pushing against no while
serving up cake.

She grew up a starved bird
in an alcoholic’s nest...
daddy’s bottle dripping fight
into her backbone.

Mama had seen the bad side
of the seed breaking teeth silent,
and vowed no man would ever steal her voice.

She had opinions, lots of opinions.
She would stand up on her soapbox
wearing muddy shoes from walking the talk
that work didn’t have gender.

She believed if something needed to get done,
you roll up your sleeves, do what you can,
and help with what you can’t.

Mama was an apron string feminist
teaching three girls how to swim
upstream in a testosterone current.
 If it takes a cake, bake it, but if there is
hammering to do, you better find the nails.

 ©Susie Clevenger 2016

Day 12 #NaPoWriMo 2016

Comments

brudberg said…
I love the term apron string feminist.. and believe me I am living with one who don't mind using the hammer... I think there are many men who should learn to bake cake.
Adam said…
Mama sounds like she knew what she was doing!
Mama was indeed a wise woman. And Björn is a wise man! :-)
Ellecee said…
Love this poem, Susie. I, too, especially like your opening words. She must have been a really strong woman and we need that to become strong ourselves. This is a gritty tribute to your Mother.
Sanaa Rizvi said…
I love the strong spirit of this woman :D
Beautifully executed.

Lots of love,
Sanaa
Rommy said…
This made me want to stand up and cheer. I think the term apron string feminist should cross over into the modern vernacular.
Kerry O'Connor said…
If it takes a cake, bake it, but if there is
hammering to do, you better find the nails.

What an epigrammatic ending to this stirring tribute.
Maude Lynn said…
I love the goddess and grit of this. Just brilliant, Susie.
Debi Swim said…
Looks like strong women breed strong women.... "apron string feminist - perfect
kaykuala said…
If it takes a cake, bake it, but if there is
hammering to do, you better find the nails

One must do it so as to stay relevant. One must also be prepared after knowing what to do. In this brave world looking weak will only invite harassment. Women must be strong just to stay alive! Great lines Susie!

Hank
Laura said…
This is fabulous Susie… I am totally inspired.
Timoteo said…
She defied labels, of which we have too many these days--and too quickly applied. Masterfully done, Suzie.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Oh, wow. I love every line, so no use repeating them. But I resonate with the starving bird growing up in an alcoholic's nest. Been that bird. You mama rocked, Susie, and I love that she raised you swimming upstream in a testosterone current.
A-fucking-men! This is a wonderful tribute and damned good counsel. Thanks, Mosk
Hannah said…
Powerfully written and thank goodness for the strong women.
Margaret said…
You brought her to life for your reader! Inspirational.
Raivenne said…
You go Mama! What a wonderful tribute to your mother. I adore every word of this. Brava!
rallentanda said…
I love your Ma. She in my opinion is the quintessential female.A real man would adore this woman.Inspirational and to be revered.Brilliant write.!
Bravo for your mother! That's the kind of mother to have.
Anonymous said…
No finer homage to this suffragette who suffered hard inside a man's steel walls. It amazes me that under such conditions some people become walls, others the laughers at walls. You were infinitely fortunate to have the latter for a mom. Great stuff.