by Shyla Phillips
I wanted to write to tell you I’m following behind
I’m inspired by you, as are all womankind
You beckon my generation with your flexed arm
And remind me there’s nothing more powerful than skill mixed with feminine charm
I’m doing what I can to do my part
In this technical time, work with my hands and my heart
But it has been a bit of a struggle, I would like to say
Some aid would be appreciated for the women of today
Allow me to explain the mistakes I’ve made
My experience as a female in pursuing a trade
I talked to some representatives at a welding exhibition
I stood there asking questions for as long as I could stay
I tried to tell them I was serious but they wouldn’t listen
Rosie, why did I decide to wear a skirt and pigtails that day?
They laughed when I applied
They told me to think twice
Wouldn’t I prefer to nurse or paint nails?
I just thanked them for the advice
I never regretted my decision, not for a second
From the moment I tried it I fell in love with the profession
But it hasn’t all been easy, besides the typical work
I didn’t realize necessities for women were considered perks
It is difficult enough to operate a man’s tools
I’m just trying to navigate the unspoken rules
But the disbelief, it’s another hurdle altogether
Rosie, I hope you understand why I’m writing, I hope you get the purpose of this letter
I’m on the way, I’m trying, but it is really hard
When for less fabric we are doubly charged
When I get doubting looks I just flip down my hood
Rosie, why can’t they believe that a woman too can be good?
Rosie, sometimes I get frustrated, it’s hard to understand
They say they need us, they want us, that we’re in high demand
But that’s not what I’ve seen
Is that what they truly mean?
I’ve stepped into the world,
and I’m still trying to find a place for us girls
Rosie, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get a locker room too?
Instead of putting paper over the classroom windows the way I’m sure you had to do
While the guys bang on the door, urging us to hurry
So now we change in the closets so there’s no need to worry
Rosie, I’ve found cotton jeans that fit me! Now they’re making them for girls!
Only online, and only one kind
But I’ve been cinching men’s pants around my waist with a belt
For two years, so this pair is the best I have felt
And we have jackets now with sleeves that don’t swallow my hands
And gloves without an extra inch on each finger, Rosie, isn’t it grand?
It is all much more expensive
Female welders, quite the investment
But I’ll make sure that I’m worthwhile
I’ll be known for going the extra mile
Rosie, I just have to ask
Were you supported with more than words to accomplish your task?
Did you enjoy the same accommodations as the men?
It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask for, but then again...
A career center locker room for the girls would be ideal
As well as protective equipment at a reasonable price
Work clothes for female bodies would be great if it were real
I’m just saying, Rosie, wouldn’t equality be nice?
They say they support females pursuing technical careers
It’s a lovely sentiment I hear all the time
And while I appreciate the reassurance it has on the ears
It’s beginning to feel like a disingenuous line
If they really want to help, tangible support would be great
This is what I wish to ask of my home state