A Woman Should

A Woman Should Have...
enough money within her control
to move out
and rent a place of
her own even if
she never wants 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 Woman Should Have...
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 won't let 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
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 quit a job,
break up with a lover
and confront a friend
without ruining a
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 it's 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
her best friends 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.

by: Maya Angelou