What I Know

I spent decades learning the things

society wanted me to learn.

That I thought I was supposed to learn.

That other people told me I should learn.

Some things were taught by my mother,

others by girlfriends,

a few by teachers and other adults,

still others by strangers on t.v. or in the aisle of a grocery store.

And just when I thought I had a few things figured out,

when I thought I was doing the things I was supposed to do,

in the way I was supposed to do them,

and for the people who matter most –

Menopause.

And thus began the years of not giving a fuck.

They all meant well, I’m sure, those other women.

(Except the bitch in the aisle at the grocery store.)

But I’m no longer concerned about the way I look,

or the pitch and volume of my laughter.

I no longer care if my head is held a little higher than you think it deserves,

or if my kids are a little louder than you think you deserve.

I absolutely do not worry about other women, or my kids, or my spouse getting all the attention they deserve.

I’ve been listening to those voices for fifty fucking years.

For the next fifty, I am the one who matters most.

Copyright 2019 – Laurie Marshall

This poem is being posted as part of the #100dayproject. Find out more here.