The cowshed stands empty-silence has settled on the bamboo posts, where waiting is still tied.
The cracked earth will never again know the warmth of freshly drawn milk.
The woman of the house waits.
Even the wind has forgotten the scent of cattle.
The shed is ready.
But no cow returns from the market.
Before one could even be bought, his pocket filled with emptiness.
And in his eyes an unspoken waiting refuses to leave.
The woman of the house glances at the clock
Sabbath must be ushered in chic-chac*
Friday eve, hers is the lead role for the People of the Book
Sabbath one minute late, the Queen simply will not brook
___________________________________________________
*Transliteration of Hebrew slang for 'right away.'
When I was a little girl,
being "she", it was no fun.
Then Women's Lib came along
and my life had begun.
Although it was a struggle,
and I was a lot denied,
told that I was just a "girl",
but still I tried and tried.
When I applied to college,
was refused because female.
Now that women are equal,
it is a diff'rent tale.
"Little woman" of the house
was barefoot and pregnant.
"That's not me, I will not be!"
That was my fav'rite rant.
I avoided wedded "bliss"
and my life was never staid.
If it was those bygone days,
I would be called "Old Maid".
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