Woman’s Work

By: Tom Hooker

 

 

They called it woman’s work,

as though it was of lesser import,

less noble, than the labors of men.

 

 

They called it woman’s work,

coaxing from the soil

food for a bevy of bellies.

Gardening.

 

 

They called it woman’s work,

planting, hoeing, weeding, picking,

shelling beans to the rhythm

of hummed hymns.

 

 

They called it woman’s work,

looking peas, seeking worm tracks,

evidence of insect snacks.

blanching vegetables,

canning corn.

 

 

They called it woman’s work.

Should have called it good work.

 

 

 

Tom Hooker tom.hooker@morrisbb.net