Her voice still shrills down through the years

sharp with accusations - -

- - but confident in the knowledge

of her right to be right.

 

Discouraging ambitions

was a parental duty,

 

Knowing ones place was duly taught

firmly blocking any rebelliouse thought.

 

"Girl remember you're a servant

don't step above your station

your working class  -

you don't need an education

just to marry and have babies"

 

She taught us well by example,

standng at the shallow stone sink

scouring Woolworth's pans

with red work roughened hands.

 

"Reading isn't good for you

it tires out the brain

you must learn to clean and scrub

so get upon your knees

Girl its just elbow grease you need"

 

She scrubbed worn greasy collars

then started on the cuffs

peering through the steam

and hoping they were clean.

 

"Now just you mark my words girl

listen to what I say

you are what you are born to

its always been this way"