Jewish American Princess

I'm a Jewish American Princess
home grown royalty
grew up in New York City
went to Boston University
received with honors, my MRS degree

while others skipped classes to smoke pot
I skipped those same classes to shop
I had more makeup and shoes and clothes
than the notorious Imelda Marcos

while most of my classmates
each night, went barhopping
I went to the mall
and did lots of shopping

I didn't like sports, involving fresh air
thought they might mess up my helmet of hair
instead I preferred staying inside
dressed up, with makeup perfectly applied

I grew up, got married and raised two kids
my husband taught me how others live


no one else takes a hairdryer camping at the lake
or wears so much makeup, that she looks fake
no one else wears high heels to go on a hike
or polished toenails to ride her bike

so I learned to walk barefoot on the beach
the wind in my hair
sand embracing my feet

without all that makeup
stiffened hair, teased and sprayed
I liked myself better
with each passing day

my first husband died young
I lost one of my sons
it puts life in perspective
when love comes undone

my feelings now have so much more depth
the small stuff, I've learned no longer to sweat
now in place of my youthful vanity
is a love for the Earth and all humanity

if the wind and the rain mess up my hair
my motto has now become "who cares:
life is too short, anyone can get burned
and so, toward the needy, I direct my concerns

but that princess within me, has not gone away
when I'm feeling low, I can still hear her say
go shopping
it'll make you feel better today

and sometimes she says, remember the fun
of makeup and clothes
now go get those nails done

I can still do those things, when I feel so inclined
but the woman I am, it no longer defines