She may rely upon it more than she does upon her husband or her maid. It can hold more secrets than her most faithful friend. Her handbag can be as whimsical as beads, fur and straw flowers or as severe as black patent leather. It might be large enough to carry a laptop, a Palm Pilot and workout clothes, or too small to hold more than a lipstick and a credit card. In the end, husbands and lovers may disappoint or depart.
Children grow up and away.
Friends prove fickle. But the handbag is forever. My whole life is in there. More lasting, however, may be the place that purse holds in the lexicon of political language. From the backpack to the diaper bag.