I had an attitude of plenty
Fridays, in the back of Mom’s car
Driving west on Foothill Boulevard
Scanning beer-bar parking lots for the truck.
Knew we’d find him, get his check, get some milk.
Plenty.
~
I had an attitude of plenty.
Sundays, feeling trapped at home
The weekend’s case or two
Propelling his temper along with drunkenness.
Prayed he’d soon pass out, we’d have peace…peace and quiet.
Plenty.
~
I had an attitude of plenty.
Those school-girl years
Exhaustion threatening to overtake
Perpetually in classes and clubs and commitments
Focused on my exit, my survival, my happiness, my strategy.
Plenty
~
I had an attitude of plenty.
College days, weeks, months
Clerking, schooling, twice full time
Wedging five-year’s work into 3 1/2.
Growing faith and confidence and a future.
Plenty.
~
I had an attitude of plenty.
The early career years, teaching
Foregoing other glory and gain
For acceptance, patience, tolerance – mine.
Learning, in preparation for familial happiness.
Plenty.
~
I had an attitude of plenty.
Built a family of my own
Marrying he who loved me from 17
Creating home and children – 1, 2, 3.
Formulating that which I’d conjured long ago.
Plenty
~
I had an attitude of plenty.
Knew I deserved it.
Focused on it. Got it.
Got it all, and then some.
Future, Family, Happiness, Love.
Plenty.
~
