Constance La France Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

''Not That Long Ago''

There was a time, not that long ago that was sad,
A time when a woman's purpose was to please men;
Since childhood taught to dress a certain girly way,
To be ladylike in manners with perfect make-up.

        Obeying ruling fathers and superior brothers,
          Conceited boyfriends and domineering husbands.

They were taught to be cooks and clean and do laundry,
To have children well dressed and obedient to father;
Perfect bodies and perfect hair no matter what,
Columnists advised them on affairs of the heart.

        And how to keep your man and other junk,
          They read romance about men tall and dark.
          

Then World War II happened and women went to work,
Working in factories and offices and so much more;
Jobs once filled by their men and they liked it a lot,
And they still managed to do the cooking and housework.

        When the war ended, women never went back,
          They were equal to men and the rest is history.


___________________________________
June 23, 2015


Verse


For the contest, Patriarchy, sponsor, Thomas Martin

First Place

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Skat A August 1, 2015 at 11:54 PM Broken, Congratulations in Thomas Martin's contest. SKAT

Dr. Upma A. Sharma August 1, 2015 at 11:38 PM Wow great one , loved the concluding equality! Congrats on ur win BW!

Eve Roper August 1, 2015 at 6:14 PM Women got their well deserved freedom of equality. Congratulations on your win Hugs Eve

John Lawless August 1, 2015 at 3:32 PM BW, the idea that "women" did not work before they were "employed" during the war is slightly convoluted. Women worked in the fields, on farms and ranches, and did what are now considered "menial" chores like....cooking, cleaning, taking care of the children. When a man does them he is "getting in touch with his feminine side" when a woman picks up a wrench of hammer she is being "empowered". Nice poem, congrats on the win.,

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser June 29, 2015 at 7:51 AM Broken Wings, this a beautiful way to let me reminisce the past!!! But I thank those brave women who fought for equal rights and until today I applaud them!!!! ~Olive ELoisa =)

Anne-Lise Andresen June 26, 2015 at 1:14 PM - I do not think life has become better after the women got equal opportunity :) - What about all the kids who are much alone at home - A wonderful poem .... food for thought, B.W. - Luck in contest ! - I wish you a great weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders June 26, 2015 at 12:28 PM Well-written account of women's modern history. Sadly, women are still fighting for equal rights and humane treatment in other parts of the world while in this country, we try to do it all. We've come along way, but we still seem to carry the load at home. I'm grateful my husband helps with the kids and housework...thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest. Hugs, Rhonda

Emile Pinet June 25, 2015 at 5:42 PM This is an eye opening poem that uses imagery to paint a story with flames of emotion and poetic flare. The message is clear and truly poetically expressed with conviction gleaned from the years of experiences the author now shares with the reader. Emile.

Nette Onclaud June 24, 2015 at 3:55 PM this reflects the dominant role of man decades ago, constance.. what a powerful write!.. enjoyed this one..huggs

Sara Kendrick June 24, 2015 at 6:57 AM Reads like a winner..My mother went to work back in 1920 because of financial need..Many women here worked back then..However, WWll increased the women in the work force..My mother worked at a Naval Ordiance Plant during the war..They made things like bomb fuses..Mother's job was her life..Great contest entry and great picture..Thanks for dropping by..Sara

Alexis Y. June 24, 2015 at 6:43 AM BW, I appreciated your well written pen.Women have come along way.However we still have a long way to go.Thanks for this informative piece. Good luck in the contest:) Alexis

James Peranteau June 23, 2015 at 9:25 PM TY for the memorries dear poet ! I grew up with 7 sisters and of course the mother and trust me, it was when womens lib was just as strong as the black panther, wow....my head was spinning ! LOL...I never had a problem sharing and caring with woman ! Have a wonderful week Constance...much love, james

Arabian Poet June 23, 2015 at 5:26 PM Great one .have a great time and wish you the best

Jill Spagnola June 23, 2015 at 5:08 PM Awesome in verse, form & truth...yet sadly still held disproportionate. Ironically, society is still Broken. You are not, when I read your writes you fly. :), jill p.s. great luck!