Keys

Guest Post by Keely Richins

 

Unlocked

The men had the court, they didn’t have to say “please.”
After all, all worthy men have the keys.

Three days a week, the Stake President opened the door,
Early morning pickup ball, ‘Should we pray? What the hell for?’

What about the sisters? What about our ball?
But there’s no room on the schedule, no time at all.
Blocked.

Calls to the male scheduler, ‘This will take weeks!’
I counseled myself, ‘be basic, molded, meek.’
No time for you. Who will lock up?
Who will supervise? Who will clean up?

More weeks pass, call my Sister Presidents,
Talk to my Bishop, talk to my friends.
Alas, we got on the schedule, we put in the work!
I would have a calling, “Let no one shirk!”

Women had a Sports Coordinator, several days a week!
Success was felt-we did it-with almost no cheek!

“Let’s play!” I shout, the ball ready to serve,
‘Not so fast!’ Women must be organized,
a prayer had to be observed.

Then what did I learn, the next week after this hustle?
Men were awarded an additional day, without lifting a single muscle.

Well, we got what we wanted, isn’t that right?

Then why, oh why, was it such a fight?

I think it came down to who held the keys,
‘Oh you don’t want those, women, don’t be such a tease.’

 

Keely is a reader, runner, proud Utah native, Idaho backpacker, nightgown wearing millennial, friend, and rabbit-owner. She loves to laugh, be outside, and push herself outside of her comfort zone. She lives a thrilling life with a CPA and three kids in a home with a red door.