I made plans; I made darn good plans.

I made plans that would save money.

I made plans not to bother my family.

I made plans not to burden my friends.

But the contractor said,

“No, no! I can’t work

If you are here! Dangerous worksite!

Flying shingles! Boards with nails!

Owners MUST GO!”

I stuck out my lip.

I pouted a lot.

I rented some storage

For all the stuff that I’ve got.

But I have this old trailer,

Which belongs to me.

Lot’s cheaper than motels

I’m sure it would be.

Needs electrical fixing,

And plumbed a bit, too –

My cats were already there

I was sure it would do.

But the electrician said,

“No, no! I won’t work on this!

It will burn down,” he said.

His words exploded 

Like bombs in my head.

“It has aluminum wiring

That gives me a fright.

I won’t set up something

That will make you burn in the night!”

With holes in my roof,

Bad trees still over head

A need for some internet

And a warm place for my bed

With motels that cost $70 per night

The rains of autumn now

Come pacing on.

Why is it men

Seem to love to say

“There, there, little lady,

You can’t do it this way.”

They have thoughts in a box

Thoughts bound up with locks!

Do they think that my bank account

Has its source in Fort Knox?

Image by Muffet via Flickr

So now…

I must bother my family;

I must impose on my friends.

Employ creative thinking

To find a solution

To this box without end.