The Ladies of Old

The ladies of old really had it going on. Those classy ladies who always sat at the front of the church. Those laced covered hands. And large rounded hats no one could see past. From far away you would see them coming. Hat first, suit second, and shoes last. As they past their scent would introduce themselves to your nostrils and long after there departure would the conversation continue.

The ladies of old really had it going on. In public you never once heard them scold their children only a look that sent little Tommy running to her side and Mary Ann tremble. If either one of their kids scraped a knee they would come a running and if no bones were broken and no blood leaking they would tell em to “just go to sleep, you will feel better when you get up”. Somehow you always did.
The ladies of old really had it going on. When they walked out of the house it wasn’t in no due rag. They were dressed down from head to toe. Even if it was just to take a quick ride to the store. And the kids followed suit.

The ladies of old had it going on. Their marriages lasted. If there was any trouble you never heard about it. There business was never out on the street. Cause what happened in the house stayed in the house.
The ladies of old had it going on. A hot meal everynight. And by bed time not a dish in sight. The clothes, what few they had were washed and pressed nice. Not one wrinkle. And they smelled fresh. At nine o’clock every child was in bed prayers said.

The ladies of old had it going on. Their children spoke when they were spoken to and knew that when they walked in a room they spoke to every grown folk present. They knew to stay out of grown folk business. And there houses were always cleaned. Seemed like millions of black and white photos on the wall.

The ladies of old had it going on. They kept their men in check without disrespect. A ring was always present on the left hand. If single she lived with her momma or relative. You always found them in church on Sundays. They excelled in school. They sewed most all clothes. They planted and stuck around to watch their seeds grow.