-Sheree Fitch
real madonnas
are not bullet-breasted singers
making videos and imitating
Marilyn Monroe
they are women who take cre
of other women's children
women who
wipe noses
change diapers
make meals
help children learn
to climb the Jungle Gym
while their mothers
climb corporate ladders
in stockings and three-piece suits
argue court cases
or make minimum wage
which pays rent
and daycare
if I could
I would paint a fresco
of a woman with a rope
around her waist
a rag-taggle of children
following along through the park
her nose would be smudged
with finger paint
her jeans splattered
with playdough
in one hand
I would paint
one half of the university diploma
I studied for
in her other hand
would be the hand
of my child
there would be a halo
around her head
if I sold this painting
I would take her to
a Greek island
where someone could take care of her
where there are no children saying
can I could you I want my Mommie
I would call this painting
Shirley in the Park with the Children
