My mother says when I get older my dusty hair will settle and my blouse will learn to stay clean, but I have decided not to grow up tame like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain. In the movies there is always one with red lips who is beautiful and cruel. She is the one who drives the men crazy and laughs them all the away. He power is her own. She will not give it away. I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am the one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate. S. Cisneros
About This Quote

The author of this poem, Cheryl Strayed, wrote about herself when she was growing up. She does not want to be like the woman in the movies, who is cruel and beautiful. This is not about being mean or mean spirited but being strong willed. She is saying that she wants to be able to choose her own path whether it be good or bad.

She does not want to be put into a box by society and be labeled as “tame.” Her choices are hers and hers alone. She will not give up on herself because of what everyone else thinks about her, even though she believes that society is unfair.

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  1. My mother says when I get older my dusty hair will settle and my blouse will learn to stay clean, but I have decided not to grow up tame like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain....
  2. My mother says when I get older my dusty hair will settle and my blouse will learn to stay clean, but I have decided not to grow up tame like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain....
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