In the second verse she tells the reader, "I had a HAIR-DRESSING PARLOR." In the third verse she tells the reader, "Then I had a BARBECUE STAND." Putting these two forms of work on separate lines and in bold font suggests that she wants to make this obvious to the reader. This shows that she has a desire to please others and have them approve of her. In turn, this suggests that she does feel some shame for how things have turned out. The next statement in bold occurs after she reveals that she is not currently working, as she practically shouts at the reader "DON'T WORRY 'BOUT ME!" It is interesting to note that at one point she is trying to convince the reader to accept her, and at the next she is shouting at the reader to ignore her. This suggests that she is fighting something within herself. She seems to be fighting a need to please, while also being aware that she will be judged and rejected by the reader. In the end, it seems that she sees herself as having failed. At the same time, she cannot fight this because she is not in control of herself. She is infringed upon from the demands of society. In one way then, she wants to fight. In another, she knows that there is no point in fighting.

             This disappointment and acceptance of failure is also suggested by the rhythm of each line. Considering the second two verses shows the importance of this:.

             I had a .

             HAIR-DRESSING PARLOR .

             Before .

             The depression put .

             The prices lower. .

             Then I had a .

             BARBECUE STAND .

             Till I got mixed up .

             With a no-good man.

             Note in these two lines, that there is an increase in rhythm and a high-point is reached with the words "HAIR-DRESSING PARLOR" and "BARBECUE STAND." After this high point, the rhythm falls to a low point. This is a rising and falling suggesting that the speaker is aware that any time she succeeds, failure will follow. The speaker"s voice also suggests someone giving up, rather than battling on.