A Woman Should Have

Although I did not write this myself, I felt the need to share this beautiful poem written by Pamela Redmond Satran. I read this a few years ago and it didn't really strike me the way it does now. Is it because I've grown and changed, and because I can relate to probably every single point on this list now? Because back then, I never thought about getting old and retelling my "juicy" past or  how important it was to know when to walk away. I didn't think I would ever need to know how to break up with a lover or even know what it would be like to live alone since I never had and thought I never would. At this prime yet mature age, I have realized that as a woman, (Yes, I have acknowledged that I am indeed a woman) everything on here is essential to know, to understand, to appreciate and to live by. Now, before you read on... at the very end... I have added MY OWN part to the poem (it's in red). I hope you enjoy it and appreciate it, just as I have and always will <3

By Pamela Redmond Satran

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…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

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 WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …..

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .

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…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …

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.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

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..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

that her childhood may not have been perfect…but its over…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…

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…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that it is okay to wear make-up...

and own at least one piece of expensive jewelry...

and go shopping if you're feeling down...

but true happiness, comes from within...

and if you don't know how to find it,

look in the mirror and know

that the person looking back at you, is alive.

An Everlasting Plea from a Lemon Tree

I watched him sleep a peaceful sleep and in my heart I heard him breathe a breath so strong yet silently like whispering winds atop the trees of eloquence and bravery a man so brave he is to me and how I love to watch him reap as dogs descend the battered sheep and him to me as I to him a girl not like debauchery and yet I crawl and whimper deep when he is not induced by sleep as I am too in nights that creep and take over my loves degree for it is him I want to be and everything I am to me he is to him and what we've had I do agree is something I can guarantee is priceless and immortal glee and for every kiss upon my lips by him I sink into the sea and smile as I count to three for every second that passes me I fall into a deeper love that sends my chest into a heave of something that is not to grieve but to grasp into my inner eve and give him all there is of me from head to toe and in between and when we're one I do perceive of how the colors from his sleeve collide with the knocking of my knees for in his arms I am set free and blessed upon his loves decree and while the world is in debris we float the Mediterranean sea for a life we always tried to flee and no worlds tallest cup of tea can calm our drives or make us plea 'cause in my eyes he is my world and with scraped knees I'll climb the tallest lemon tree and stand atop the branches and scream I LOVE THEE and once again I LOVE THEE for it is me I know so well and I watched him sleep a peaceful sleep and in my heart I heard him breathe a breath so strong yet silently I fell into another dream...

One year ago, today, I fell in love with someone I never knew would actually become my boyfriend, my partner in crime, my confidante, my better half, my lover... my best friend. Baby, you've made me the happiest I have ever been and I couldn't have asked for a better hand to fit in mine. I love you more today than yesterday and less than I will tomorrow. Happy Anniversary! ♥

  This poem was written especially to the love of my life <3