In Mama's diary, I read
that she wanted to
matter in society

did not want to
become the traditional wife
started practising at home

and offset household chores
against the money she brought in
as a bank employee

But it was not easy
The war and housing shortage
put it on the shelf

and Papa's work kept her indoors
Between dream and deed stood
propriety and practical objections

which her willpower could hardly
measure up to, discouraged
by the pious mother image

from her youth, and the compelling
reasoning at night in bed
with a kiss on her feelings