On The Other Side

Yes I work my butt off just like you do It just happens to be at home and not in a factory I cook, wash, and clean, but you say anyone can do that But not everyone can raise a child and humble themselves and dedicate every hour of their lives to them And if you’re wondering, yes I keep my man satisfied Bugging the shit out of me like a bee Buzzing around my head everyday until it reaches my ears, these question “Don’t you want more for yourselves?” “Can’t you do better?” “How are you providing for your family?” “Is this success to you?” My irritation swats them away, for this is the last straw (1950s) It was a woman's job to keep her man happy even if alcohol, abuse, or an affair stepped in the way (1960s) Women did laundry and broke their back for water they had to carry and clean the racks It was up to us to keep the household satisfied but if they didn’t get what they wanted they’ll throw a fit It holds meaning when you say step on a crack, you break your mother's back My craftsman house with a big lawn for barbeques and family events My house smells like bacon, strawberry pancakes, and biscuits I live the same way as you, so what's the difference? I don’t work a 8 hour shift, but listen 5:00 taking a shower, breakfast on delay Give me 45 minutes, I’m cooking a buffet Making lunches for the kids before 6:00 hits By 6:15 we out this hitch Come back home around 7:00, unpack the dishwasher that’s been running all through the night I got 5 minutes to kick off my shoes and sit tight Cleaning this house from 7:10 to 12:00 Busting my ass, feel like 12 years a slave Making runs to the grocery store, in there for 3 hours straight My kids are home, gotta help them with homework, ain’t no break Dust the furniture, draw the drapes I ain’t Amelia Bedelia that take her job literally Literally drawing the drapes, I take my job very seriously I ask my ladies “What I got to do to get respect boo?” They thinking how are you looking up to me when I look up to you When in 1950 there was sexism and inequality Men went to work and earned the money While y’all made us budget your wealth amount While y’all made us, nah let me rephrase that, while we spent y’all money and made a little side account My success is making my family happy And yes my job is to produce as well Like Perdita and Pongo I wanted 101 little minis from the get go My work don’t stop until my babies are asleep I’ve never published my love as something to do, but my first priority in the center It takes happiness, stories, quality time, and heart to turn a house into a home I’m not just a housewife, but I’m a homemaker