Diner Blues

Janie Bella is a waitress.

She’s always on her feet.

Lift heavy trays, small tips, guys’ hits –

at quitting time she’s beat.

It’s hard to be a woman alone

Dragging along a stone

Shop for groceries going home. 

His only welcome a grunt.  

No dinner cooked or faucet fixed.

She’s tired of accepting the brunt.

           

It’s hard to be a woman alone

Putting up with a stone

The trash not emptied, harsh words yelled.

Fix dinner, clean the place,

run the washer, help with homework,

to bed a frazzled case.                  

It’s hard to be a woman alone   

Dragging along a stone

Alarm at five, quick shower, coffee.

Repeat the day again.   

No respite from the constant grind,   

Gets no respect, plain Jane.

She’s proud to be a woman alone

She does not need this stone