Widow Abuse Poem by Pearl E. McCray

There is something that should be done
About WIDOW ABUSE
For the way they are treated
There is no excuse. Most widows are frightened
At being left alone
To fight the many battles to come
And take care of her home. They are scorned by women
Put down by men
Talked about by older folk
Who think everything she does is a sin. Married women feel threatened by her
Afraid she will take their man
Single women do not trust her
And will spread gossip wherever they can. There are so many things
A widow has to do
She has to keep the house going
And take care of business too. The doctor, dentist and lawyer
All have to be paid
There is the garbage collector, gardener
And plans to be made. Things run smooth for awhile
And she has a little time to think
Then the repairman has to be called
Because things start going on the blink. Don't forget the salesman
Who is very crafty indeed
If she is not very cautious
She will purchase things she doesn't need. If there are children
To look after and rear
The stress of it all
Is too much for anyone to bear. Most nights are sleepless
From worry and devastation
But when morning comes she has to be ready
For any challenge with a strong determination.