The Oldest Profession

by Kathryn Andersen

B7 Friday: Professional Woman
Date: 23 July 2004

They said it was the oldest profession in the world, but she wasn't paid for it. Instead, she was payment, for a debt her family owed. Her owners taught her the pleasing of men; dressing; humility. But reading was forbidden.

She learned things despite this. She learned that cheerfulness was more pleasant than despair. She learned that crumbs of joy could be snatched for moments, if one was as quiet and cunning as a mouse.

This was no crumb; it was a whole world.

They said it was the oldest profession in the world, but it wasn't hers any more.