A Woman's Work is Never Done
By Ruth Baird Shaw <>< 1973

Author's Note: This poem, like several others, were written, "tongue-in-cheek" and while I was the busy mother of small children.

That poem that came. . . into my heart.
    Unexpected. . . like a dart
I want to polish. . . For discerning. . .
    To write it down. . . Oh, the yearning.

First, I must polish. . . Something more.
    That spot from off. . . the kitchen floor
What did I write?. . . A note that said,
    "Excuse my child. . . He's sick in bed.
I also write. . . some words to note:
    Call the dentist. . . Hem brown coat,
Wash blue sweater. . . Start the roast,
    Toss a salad. . . Buy bread for toast.

Wash the dishes. . . fold the clothes,
    Sew a blouse. . . Buy ribbon bows
Make a poster. . . Draw a fish,
    Prepare another. . . covered dish.

Wash the windows. . . Doors and sill,
    Grab the telephone. . . pay the bills.
Buy quick oatmeal. . . Cream of wheat,
    Call repair man. . . mend a sheet.

Set the table. . . Kiss a hurt
    Iron a tablecloth. . . Blouse and skirt,
And other chores. . . I list and / or do.
    Just little things. . the whole day through

So I continue. . . Blowing noses
    And postpone things. . .Like Grandma Moses
But thank you, God. . .You've done your part,
    God placed a poem. . . Within my heart.