Today I found an email that was sent to me by my dear friend Kate Switniki in 2007. At that time it was alleged to been written by the amazing Maya Angelou, but on her web site she disclaims that. It was written by Pamela Redman Satran.
This poem is timeless and I was in the process of emailing it to my granddaughter when I felt I should share it with all Island women.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to…
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour…
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…
a youth she’s content to leave behind…
a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to retelling it in her old age…
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra…
one friend who always makes her laugh… and one who lets her cry…
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family…
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored…
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a feeling of control over her destiny…
how to fall in love without losing herself…
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship…
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
when to try harder … and WHEN TO WALK AWAY…
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that she can’t change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect….but it’s over…
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more….
how to live alone…. even if she doesn’t like it…
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
whom she can trust,
whom she can’t,
and why she shouldn’t take it personally…
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
where to go…
be it to her best friend’s kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods…
when her soul needs soothing….
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
What she can and can’t accomplish in a day…
a month…and a year…
Trish Summerhayes
Publisher/Owner of Islandwoman.ca
See all articles by Trish Summerhayes
Hi Angelina, me too ! mind you I dont think we ever know all. The wonderful thing is that there is always something new to learn. … Life is great as long as we keep working with it. Namaste
I am happy to say that I know most of these things, but there are a few biggies I’m still working on… I really I figure out more soon:)