Maya Angelou's Poem

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 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 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

-Sarah Michelle