Running On Empty

Laura watched the school bus leave and cleared away the breakfast dishes, scraping away the vestiges of a perfectly prepared Spanish omelette her husband had eaten without even looking at her once. The New York Times beckoned. The Knicks were on a winning streak. The Governer had announced an early retirement. Important events were unfolding. Laura's husband left with a hurried farewell, cursing loudly as the key hit the ignition. "How am I supposed to drop off those cans at the food pantry if I have to stop at the gas station first? Laura, do you EVER fill up the car? Now I'll be late for work" Laura went upstairs to attack the bedrooms, angry words still swimming around in her head. She almost slipped on a pair of filthy men's Argyll socks lying on the top stair. She pondered on how some men are so passionate about civil rights for all- for the downtrodden, the under-represented or marginalized members of society. She found their spirit of volunteerism and charitable giving commendable. Yet these same men may never have prepared as much as a bowl of pasta for themselves or their families OR completed an entire load of laundry unaided. She sprawled across her unmade bed, grabbed her journal and began to write: Feminism, equality and social justice begin at home.