Babysitter

My first job was dull and I did most of my work on the couch
I was a lady of the night
While the parents went off to play.

My first job groomed me for suburbancy
Prepared me for the life my lady lineage had lived
My first job had given me a stamp of adulthood
At 13 years old.

My first job was domestic.

You see,
My first job was riddled with ethics of care
Patronizing fathers
And mothers who couldn’t do it all.

My first job marked the moment between girl and woman,
And yet for so many women
It isn’t considered work.