strap on your boots and bras and go to work

there was a time

when

self-esteem existed. 

when there was

pride in oneself,

when people

went to work, doing

any job

to make ends meet.

they didn't whine about

how tough life was.

crying like babies

about the economy,

or politics, 

perpetually a victim of some

sort.

people

strapped on their boots

and bras

and got out there and earned

a living.

they shut up about

the rain, the traffic, the cost

of eggs,

the color of their skin,

or what country they were

born in.

they didn't

line the streets waiting

for a handout.

they set the alarm, got up,

and went to work.