The women in my family are afraid of many things.

They rarely leave their homes.

They don’t work

even when their husbands barely make enough to get by.

They don’t drive.

They are panicked by the thought of being seen.

There is a lot of television in their days.

Little girls gather in the dark, 

chant in mirrors and wait

for a woman from the other side 

to appear.

I am the rebel in my family.

I buy a one way train ticket

across the country

and never look back. 

My grandpa proudly states,

“That girl has balls of steel.”

I expect great things of myself.

I believe in Mary Worth.  

I believe in Mary Worth. 

The women in my family are buried

along side Resurrection Mary,

the most famous ghost in Chicago.

People often see her

hitching rides outside Resurrection Cemetery,

pacing up and down Archer Avenue.

Always pacing, primping, waiting. 

Bloody Mary, please appear

Bloody Mary, please appear

 Resurrection Mary,

(Mary Bragovy)

was killed in a car wreck 

on her way home from the dance hall.

Rising from the ashes of the totaled car, 

rising in her long white party dress

smoothing the wrinkles 

pinching her cheeks for color 

rising to look for the boy she just kissed.

Hail Mary, full of grace

The Lord is with thee.

I believe in Mary, Mother of God

Queen of all the Angels and Saints

whirling, swirling, sweeping

across the dance floor

lovely, alive, desired

rising, floating above the city

watching over me in her long, white dress. 

I believe in Mary Richards,

you're going to make it after all!

I expected great things of myself.

But I like to stay home.

I’m not a good employee.

I am Mary, 

Queen of Heaven.

I am the moon where God has hidden himself.

It is deep within me that our Father

keeps His own light.

It is in the darkest depths 

of your own souls

that you will find my mysteries revealed.

 I am 41 now and feel like a little girl.

I marvel at my adequate paychecks, still.

Daily, I am amazed that I have a home,

a daughter, a dog who depend solely on me

and that I can do what must be done

as I pace, I primp, I wait.