Allison Schuette-Hoffman

The ship anchored in the harbor rots faster than the ship crossing the ocean; a still pool of water stagnates more rapidly than a running stream.

~Brownie Wise

Women, you are the flexible female
of the species, dragging
your complacent feet.  Too dog-
gone easy to please!

But Brownie, you retaliate.
To every rule, an exception.
I am no such creature.

Ah, yes.  Human nature.  It prods
you into a rage at my accusation.
Just who do I think I am
to take such liberties?

But listen.  It isn’t easy
to be frank with yourself.
I come not as a prophet
nor as a teacher.  I come
as a friend wishing happiness
for you all.  If you want success,
be frank.  Why wait
when you can wish?

Get going ladies!
You can’t lead anyone else farther
than you yourself have gone.  Help
someone up a hill, and find
yourself closer to the top.  Remember
the steam kettle; though up to its neck
in hot water, it continues
to sing.  You’re not denied
the suffrage of success.  You never were!
Mark your wishing ticket well
and elect to live in a better world.

There’s a place
in that parade
for you.

(Material taken from an excerpt of “Women, Wishes, and Wonder” in Best Wishes by Brownie Wise and her private papers.)

Filed by allison schuette-hoffman at 10:08 pm under Uncategorized
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