"MAYA ANGELOU'S" BEST POEM

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams,

wants to see her in an hour ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a youth she's content to leave behind ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking

forward to retelling it in her old age ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill,

and a black lace bra ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

one friend who always makes her laugh ...

and one who lets her cry ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a good piece of furniture not previously owned

by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,

and a recipe for a meal

that will make her guests feel honored ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ...

how to fall in love without losing herself ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ...

how to quit a job, break up with a lover,

and confront a friend

without ruining the friendship ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ...

when to try harder ...

and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

I don't know whether this really is by Maya Angelou, but I like it!