A Strong woman was she

Knowing she could be anything she wished to be

At a young age she knew she could not depend on anyone except a grandmother’s love

And who showed her how to prepare to be a lady and how to cope through life’s problems as though in flight as a dove.

Because of a lack of money at an early age, she took babysitting jobs to purchase clothing and shoes

Rather than going out with friends to catch up on the latest news

She was restricted as to what her parents allowed her to do

And babysat her younger siblings while her parents went out for a few

She always remembered her grandmother’s wisdom and ability to understand what was best

With life’s experiences teaching her the rest.

And as she became the age to leave her parental home,

She somehow knew she would be able to use her power and strength to handle her life alone.

But alas even though she had the ability to utilize her art, musical, creative  and intellectual skills

And go to school while carrying on a career without being provided frills,

She yearned for a relationship with one who would accept her strength and abilities

And certainly did not trust the advances of those around her because of certain realities

After all the men to whom she wished to know better

Always seemed to have to compete with her or expect her to follow their lead to the letter.

When they could not get their way, they found ways of mentally or physically harming her

Even though her generosity and kindness were freely given and her heart was pure

As he walked into her office this afternoon, he could see her eyes showed her miles away

He asked if there was anything she needed or if she wished him to stay

She smiled and then told him aspects of her life

As well as her strife

Throughout her life she helped others achieve

And this week she was asked to leave

Not only was there cruelty imposed by the men in her life

But jealousy on the part of other women, who caused her strife

She did nothing to deserve that which was imposed upon her

Especially at a time when others have taken so much from her

Leaving her almost financially bare without a cure

At which point one could see a tear for which she could not procure

And surely, it would be found that it was not she who made the error

But others who plotted against her to place her to evoke such terror

“My dear MaryAnn”, he said, “hold firm to your belief”

Please hold on to these words with some relief

Take pride in the fact that you are the person who has led an altruistic life

And helped others to deal with their strife

You will not only be rewarded in the future

But obviously God has another plan to serve you better and offer one’s nurture

This place in time with its corruption is not meant for you

Nor are the relationships which cause such disruption correct for you

Consider this time to dwell upon the positive aspects of your life

in which you felt an inner peace without undue strife.

Know always that you will be in favored

and someday, you will find the one who believes in you as you are savored

And, is willing to give to you what you deserve

Without the worry you now show in reserve.

Said he, " I had you removed from this position to find out who I could trust and count on

I am not the new account executive who just moved into town

But I own this company in secrecy and my investigation has shown

You are the only one I can trust and I have let it be known

That not only will you be running this division,

But I shall abide by your every decision

As to the individuals you wish to retain as well as

Someday carrying my name "